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The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States, which was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777 and ratified by the states in 1781. It was the first formal plan of government for the newly independent nation.
The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government, with most power remaining in the hands of the individual states. It created a unicameral legislature, known as the Continental Congress, with each state having one vote. The Confederation Congress had the power to conduct foreign affairs, declare war, and regulate currency, but it did not have the power to tax or regulate commerce. The national government was also unable to enforce laws, and the states retained the power to veto any action by the Congress.
The Articles of Confederation was created in a time of war and it was intended to be a temporary solution for a loose alliance of states. It was meant to help the colonies to work together to win the war against the British. However, after the war, the weaknesses of the Articles became more apparent, and it became clear that a stronger central government was needed. The Constitution of the United States, which was adopted in 1787, replaced the Articles of Confederation and established a more powerful federal government.