The Articles of Confederation became effective on March 1, 1781, a milestone remembered by America250.
The Articles were the first written framework of government for the United States. The Continental Congress approved them in November 1777, but they did not take effect immediately because every state had to ratify them. Maryland’s ratification completed the required unanimous approval in 1781.
Under the Articles, the states retained extensive power and the national Congress had no independent power to tax or regulate interstate commerce. The system nevertheless helped coordinate the Revolutionary War and manage western territories. The Articles were replaced by the Constitution, which took effect in 1789. Their dates are often confused with the Declaration’s adoption in 1776 and the Constitution’s signing in 1787.