What governing agreement served as the United States’ first constitution before the Constitution of 1787?

The Articles of Confederation served as the United States’ first constitution before the Constitution of 1787.

The Articles created a confederation of states during the Revolutionary era. The Continental Congress approved them in 1777, but they did not take effect until March 1, 1781, after the final state, Maryland, ratified them. Under the Articles, the national government conducted diplomacy, managed western territories, and directed the war effort, but it had limited authority over taxation, trade, and enforcement.

Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of population. The national government could request money from states but could not directly impose taxes. It also lacked a separate executive branch and a national court system. These weaknesses made it difficult to pay debts, regulate interstate commerce, and respond effectively to national problems.

The Constitution replaced the Articles after delegates met in Philadelphia in 1787. The Articles were not the Declaration of Independence: the Declaration announced separation from Britain, while the Articles provided a framework for governing the new country.