Did You Know? The Articles of Confederation
Learn about the first constitution of the United States.
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Transcript
The Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States.
In effect from 1781 to 1789, the document served as a bridge between the Revolutionary period, which was governed by the Continental Congress, and the federal government established by the U.S. Constitution of
1787.
Since the United States had just fought a war with Britain over its status as a sovereign nation, the Articles of Confederation were drafted to avoid that same issue arising between the new national government and the states.
Though the Articles of Confederation technically gave the Congress power over the military, post office, and finances, it didn't allow the Congress to force states to provide money or troops.
By 1786 it was clear that a government managed by the Articles of Confederation would never be an effective one.
The example of the Articles of Confederation taught the young United States what not to do when drafting its next constitution--and would pave the way for a more permanent governing document in the form of the U.S. Constitution.
For more, visit Britannica.com.
In effect from 1781 to 1789, the document served as a bridge between the Revolutionary period, which was governed by the Continental Congress, and the federal government established by the U.S. Constitution of
1787.
Since the United States had just fought a war with Britain over its status as a sovereign nation, the Articles of Confederation were drafted to avoid that same issue arising between the new national government and the states.
Though the Articles of Confederation technically gave the Congress power over the military, post office, and finances, it didn't allow the Congress to force states to provide money or troops.
By 1786 it was clear that a government managed by the Articles of Confederation would never be an effective one.
The example of the Articles of Confederation taught the young United States what not to do when drafting its next constitution--and would pave the way for a more permanent governing document in the form of the U.S. Constitution.
For more, visit Britannica.com.