The Articles of Confederation took effect on March 1, 1781, creating the first national framework of government for the United States.
The Second Continental Congress approved the Articles in 1777, but they did not become operative until Maryland supplied the final ratification. The Articles then governed the United States during the Revolutionary War's final years and throughout much of the 1780s.
Under the Articles, Congress could conduct diplomacy, manage western territories, and direct the war effort, but it lacked several powers later granted by the Constitution. It could not directly tax individuals or regulate interstate commerce, and it depended heavily on state cooperation.
The Articles are often confused with the Constitution because both served as national governing documents. The Constitution replaced the Articles on March 4, 1789. Understanding this transition adds context to America250's story: independence was followed by experimentation with how the new country should govern itself.