The Articles of Confederation took effect on March 1, 1781, an early national milestone remembered by America250.
The Second Continental Congress finalized the Articles on November 15, 1777, but the document required ratification by every state. Maryland was the final holdout, largely because of disputes over western land claims. After Maryland ratified on February 2, 1781, Congress was informed and the Articles became operative on March 1.
The Articles formed the first national framework of the United States during the Revolutionary War. They created a Congress but gave the central government limited powers, including no general authority to levy taxes or regulate interstate commerce. The Constitution superseded the Articles on March 4, 1789, after delegates concluded that a stronger federal structure was necessary.