What was the first constitution of the United States?

The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles on November 15, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. They became fully effective on March 1, 1781, after Maryland became the final state to ratify them. The document officially called itself the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union.

The Articles created a confederation in which the states retained most governmental authority. Congress could conduct foreign affairs, declare war, and manage certain national matters, but it lacked important powers such as the ability to impose taxes directly or regulate interstate commerce effectively.

The Articles are often confused with the Constitution because both established national governments. The Constitution replaced the Articles on March 4, 1789, creating a stronger federal system with separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches.