Which document created the first government of the United States after independence?

The Articles of Confederation created the first national government of the United States after independence.

The Continental Congress approved the Articles in 1777, during the Revolutionary War. Because the document required unanimous state approval, it did not become effective until March 1, 1781, when Maryland ratified it. The Articles remained in force until the Constitution replaced them in 1789.

Under the Articles, the states retained most governmental power. Congress could conduct foreign affairs, declare war, manage western territories, and make certain national decisions, but it could not impose taxes directly on citizens or regulate commerce between states. Each state had one vote in Congress regardless of population.

The government achieved important results, including the western land system established through the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. However, financial and military weaknesses encouraged calls for reform. The Constitution created a stronger federal structure while preserving the Articles’ role as the first national framework.