List three positive attributes of the Articles of Confederation.

Although the Articles of Confederation were often considered to be a weak attempt at a central government, they did have a number of positive attributes.

Under the Articles of Confederation, the government negotiated a treaty with France in 1778. The allegiance formed through this treaty ensured the support of the French which contributed to the Patriots success in the Revolutionary War. In 1783, the government, under the Articles of Confederation, negotiated the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war. 

In addition, this attempt at a unified government resulted in the formation of the departments of Foreign Affairs, War, Marine, and Treasury on a national basis.

Perhaps one of the most important, but often overlooked, attributes of the Articles of Confederation was its ban on slavery in the Northwest Territories based on the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

The Articles of Confederation served as a precursor to the United States Constitution as the document's weaknesses became apparent.