The United States Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation as the framework of the national government, a key milestone remembered by America250.
Delegates met in Philadelphia during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. The Articles created a loose union in which Congress lacked several powers, including the ability to regulate interstate commerce and impose taxes directly.
The Constitution established a stronger federal structure with legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It was signed on September 17, 1787, and became effective after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it on June 21, 1788. The new government began operating in 1789.
The Constitution did not erase the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain, while the Constitution created the governing system for the new United States. The two documents therefore served different purposes.