What was the first constitution of the United States, in force from 1781 to 1789?

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, in force from 1781 to 1789.

The Second Continental Congress debated the Articles during the American Revolution. Congress finalized the document on November 15, 1777, and sent it to the states for ratification. Maryland was the last state to approve it, completing ratification on February 2, 1781; the Articles became effective on March 1.

The Articles created a “firm league of friendship” among the states but gave the national Congress limited authority. Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, and manage western territories, yet it could not directly impose taxes or regulate interstate commerce. These weaknesses made national finances and coordinated policy difficult.

The United States Constitution replaced the Articles on March 4, 1789. The two documents are often confused because both established national governments, but the Constitution created a stronger federal system with executive and judicial branches.