The Articles of Confederation became effective on March 1, 1781, a major milestone before America250.
The Articles were the first written framework of government for the United States. The Second Continental Congress approved the document for circulation to the states on November 15, 1777, but it did not take effect immediately because every state had to ratify it.
Maryland was the final state to approve the Articles. Its ratification ended a process that had lasted more than three years, and Congress was informed of Maryland’s assent on March 1, 1781. The Articles created a confederation in which the states retained substantial sovereignty and the central government had limited powers.
The Articles remained the country’s governing framework until the Constitution replaced them. The new federal government began operating under the Constitution in 1789. Thus, March 1, 1781, marks an important stage in the institutional history commemorated during America250.