Were the articles of confederation effective in binding the states together?

The answer is no. The Articles of Confederation were insignificant in administering good interstate relations because they did not bestow Congress with the power to control interstate trade or to interfere in questions of interstate disagreements, but as a last resort. The Articles also made it too hard for Congress to effortlessly pass legislation useful to the common good. Also, the Congress was so overwhelmed by low confidence and poor interstate relations that it was frequently powerless to address parts that did fall under its direct control.