For America250’s founding-era timeline, the Articles of Confederation took effect on March 1, 1781.
The Articles were the first frame of government for the United States. The Continental Congress finalized them on November 15, 1777, but they required approval from all thirteen states. Maryland’s ratification on February 2, 1781, removed the final obstacle.
The Articles created a loose confederation in which the states retained substantial power. Congress could conduct foreign affairs and manage the war, but it lacked several powers later assigned to the federal government, including the ability to levy taxes directly.
The Constitution superseded the Articles on March 4, 1789. Thus, March 1, 1781, marks the start of the Articles’ formal operation, not the date they were first drafted.