Answer: The Articles of Confederation, which were the first constitution of the United States, were in effect from 1781 to 1789. While they had several weaknesses that ultimately led to their replacement by the US Constitution, they also had some benefits
Explanation: Benefits of Articles of Confederation included:
Establishment of sovereignty
The Articles of Confederation established the sovereignty of the states and the authority of the government to conduct foreign affairs, declare war, and negotiate peace treaties.
Equal Representation
Each state had equal representation in the Congress, regardless of its population or size. This ensured that the small states had an equal voice in the affairs of the country.
Established a Postal Service
The Articles of Confederation also established the United States Postal Service, which allowed for the efficient exchange of communication and goods between the states.
Northwest Ordinance
The Articles of Confederation were responsible for the Northwest Ordinance, which set a precedent for how new states would be admitted to the Union. It also established the policy of selling public lands to raise money for the government.
Treaty of Paris
The Articles of Confederation allowed for the negotiation and signing of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the American Revolution and recognized the United States as an independent nation.