Articles of Confederation - 1777

The Articles of Confederation, adopted in 1777, is the first constitution of the United States, establishing a "league of friendship" between the 13 sovereign states.

It creates a weak central government with limited powers, primarily focused on foreign affairs, war, and the postal service. The Articles do not grant the government the power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively, which ultimately leads to its replacement by the United States Constitution.