The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation were the first plan of government for the United States. Written during the Revolutionary War, they created a loose union of the 13 states and gave most power to the states rather than the national government. After more than a year of debate, Congress adopted the Articles in 1777, and Maryland became the final state to ratify them in 1781.

The national government under the Articles had limited powers. It could declare war, conduct diplomacy, and approve western expansion, but it could not collect taxes, regulate trade, or enforce its laws. After the war, these weaknesses became increasingly clear. In 1787, political leaders met at the Constitutional Convention and created a stronger federal government. The Constitution replaced the Articles in 1789.