Although historians generally agree that the Articles were too weak to hold the fast - growing nation together , they do give Congress credit for resolving the western issue , as the states voluntarily turned over their lands to national control .
Although historians generally agree that the Articles were too weak to hold the fast - growing nation together , they do give Congress credit for resolving the conflict between the states over ownership of the western territories . 
 The states voluntarily turned over their lands to national control .