What was the name of the first U.S. national governing framework, in force from 1781 to 1789?

The Articles of Confederation were the first U.S. national governing framework, in force from 1781 to 1789.

The Second Continental Congress approved the Articles on November 15, 1777, during the Revolutionary War. They became effective on March 1, 1781, after all thirteen states ratified them. The document created a “firm league of friendship” among the states while preserving substantial state sovereignty.

Under the Articles, Congress could conduct diplomacy, declare war, make treaties, and manage western territories. However, the national government could not directly tax individuals, regulate interstate commerce effectively, or compel states to provide money and troops. Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of population.

Financial problems, trade disputes, and the inability to respond effectively to internal unrest contributed to calls for reform. Delegates meeting in Philadelphia in 1787 ultimately drafted the Constitution instead of merely revising the Articles. The Constitution replaced the Articles when the new federal government began operating on March 4, 1789.