What was the first constitution of the United States during the America250 founding era?

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States during the America250 founding era.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles on November 15, 1777, after more than a year of debate. They became effective on March 1, 1781, when Maryland became the final state to ratify them.

The Articles created a loose union in which the states retained most governmental power. Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, and manage western territories, but it could not directly tax citizens or regulate interstate commerce effectively.

The system helped coordinate the Revolutionary War but proved too weak for the new nation’s financial and political problems. The Articles were replaced by the Constitution, which took effect in 1789. They therefore preceded, rather than equaled, the Constitution still in force today.