What was the first constitution of the United States, replaced by the Constitution in 1789?

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States, replaced by the Constitution in 1789.

The Articles created a confederation of states during the Revolutionary era. Congress approved them in 1777, but they did not take effect until Maryland became the final state to ratify them in 1781. The system gave the national Congress limited powers and no separate executive branch.

Weaknesses in the Articles became increasingly apparent after the war. Congress could not directly levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce effectively, or easily enforce national decisions. These problems encouraged delegates to meet at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

The Constitution replaced the Articles as the framework of the federal government. America250 focuses on the 1776 Declaration, but understanding the Articles explains how the new nation moved from revolutionary independence to a stronger federal system.