What were the Articles of Confederation?

A list of amendments which describe the rights of Americans

A collection of articles used as the first constitution of the United States

A document used to declare independence from the British

A document describing the boundaries of the first 13 states

The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States. Stemming from wartime urgency, its progress was slowed by fears of central authority and extensive land claims by states before was it was ratified, or made effective, on March 1, 1781.

Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes. Congress was also given the authority to make treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces, and coin money.

However, the central government lacked the ability to levy taxes and regulate commerce, issues that led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 for the creation of new federal laws.

A collection of articles used as the first constitution of the United States