Founding document · 1777

Articles of Confederation

Adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, and in force from March 1, 1781, the Articles served as the first constitution of the United States, joining the states in a “firm league of friendship” while each retained its “sovereignty, freedom and independence.” The Confederation Congress could not levy taxes or regulate commerce, and amending the Articles required the consent of every state.

“Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.”

Continental Congress (principal drafter John Dickinson), November 15, 1777

Why it matters

Under the Articles, Congress ratified the peace treaty with Britain and adopted the Northwest Ordinance, but its inability to raise revenue or regulate trade led directly to the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

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The original record, reproduced or linked from the institution that holds it. Primary sources show what people said and did in their own words.

Subjects

founding federalism confederation constitution

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