What was the first governing document of the United States, adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777?

The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the United States, adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777.

Congress approved the Articles on November 15, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. They did not take effect until March 1, 1781, after Maryland became the last state to ratify them. The document created a confederation in which the states retained extensive authority and Congress had limited central powers.

Under the Articles, Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, manage western territories, and oversee military affairs. It could not directly tax individuals, regulate interstate commerce, or easily enforce national decisions. Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of population.

The weaknesses became more evident after the war, especially during financial and trade disputes. Delegates met at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and drafted a new Constitution. The Articles were not simply amended; the Constitution replaced them after ratification.