The Articles of Confederation came into force for the United States on March 1, 1781.
The Articles were the first constitution of the United States and created a national government during the Revolutionary War. The Second Continental Congress finalized them on November 15, 1777, but they required ratification by every state before becoming effective.
Maryland was the last state to ratify. It had delayed approval partly because of disputes over western land claims held by other states. Maryland ratified on February 2, 1781, and Congress was informed of the decision on March 1. That date marked the Articles’ official entry into force.
The Articles established a loose confederation in which the states retained extensive power. Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, and manage western territories, but it lacked strong authority to tax individuals or regulate interstate commerce. The system was replaced by the United States Constitution in 1789.