Which document served as the first constitution of the United States during the Revolutionary era commemorated by America250?

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States during the Revolutionary era commemorated by America250.

The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles on November 15, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was still underway. The states did not ratify them until March 1, 1781, when the document became the country’s governing framework.

The Articles created a “league of friendship” among the states and established a unicameral Congress. Each state had one vote, regardless of population. The national government could conduct diplomacy, make treaties, and manage western territories, but it had no independent power to tax individuals.

Weaknesses in the Articles contributed to the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The Constitution replaced the Articles in 1789, creating a stronger federal system with separate executive and judicial branches.