What document governed the United States before the Constitution, during the founding era remembered by America250?

The Articles of Confederation governed the United States before the Constitution, during the founding era remembered by America250.

The Articles created the first national government of the thirteen states. Congress approved them in 1777, but all states had to ratify the document before it took effect. Maryland became the final state to ratify on March 1, 1781.

The system deliberately gave most power to the states. Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, and manage western territories, but it could not impose federal taxes directly or regulate interstate commerce. Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of population.

Financial difficulties, trade disputes, and problems raising troops exposed weaknesses in the system. These concerns helped lead to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The Constitution replaced the Articles after it was ratified and took effect in 1789; the Articles were not simply amended into the later document.