In early U.S. history highlighted by America250, which document was the nation’s first constitution?

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, operating from 1781 until 1789.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles on November 15, 1777, but they did not take effect until March 1, 1781, when Maryland became the final state to ratify them. The document created a “firm league of friendship” among the states.

Under the Articles, the central government had no separate executive branch, national court system, or dependable power to tax. Congress could conduct diplomacy and declare war, but it depended heavily on the states for money and enforcement.

The Constitution replaced the Articles on March 4, 1789. The two documents are often confused because both organized the early United States, but the Constitution created a substantially stronger federal government.