The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States before the Constitution.
The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles in 1777, but all thirteen states did not ratify them until March 1, 1781. The document created a confederation in which the states retained substantial power while Congress handled diplomacy, war, and certain national matters.
The Articles helped the United States function during the Revolutionary War and the transition to independence. Congress could conduct foreign affairs and request money and troops, but it lacked strong enforcement powers and could not impose federal taxes directly.
These weaknesses contributed to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The resulting Constitution replaced the Articles in 1789 and established a stronger federal system. The Articles therefore belong to the founding sequence that began with the Declaration and led to the government America250’s anniversary reflects upon.