Articles of Confederation

Definition

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which outlined the initial framework for the national government but allotted most powers to the individual states. This system revealed significant weaknesses, such as a lack of central authority over commerce and defense, leading to its replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.

Related terms

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

U.S. Constitution: The document that replaced the Articles of Confederation in 1789, establishing a stronger federal government with more authority over states.

Confederation: A union of sovereign groups or states united for purposes affecting all members, typically involving some transfer of authority to a central body but retaining most powers within local governments