The Articles of Confederation took effect on March 1, 1781, becoming the first national framework of government for the United States.
Congress completed the Articles on November 15, 1777, but they required approval from every state. Maryland was the final state to ratify them, doing so on February 2, 1781. Congress received confirmation of Maryland’s action on March 1, which marked the Articles’ effective date.
The Articles created a confederation in which the states retained substantial sovereignty. Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, and manage certain national matters, but it lacked strong independent powers to tax or regulate commerce. These weaknesses encouraged calls for a stronger federal system. The Constitution replaced the Articles on March 4, 1789.