What were the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States of America, in effect from March 1781 until March 1789.

Who wrote the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation were drafted by a committee of 13 congressional delegates, one from each of the 13 states, which was chaired by John Dickinson of Pennsylvania.

Why were the Articles of Confederation replaced?

The Articles of Confederation were repealed because they did not give Congress the authority to raise taxes on its own and made it difficult for the federal government to maintain an army, thereby putting the security of the United States at risk.

Articles of Confederation

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Definition

The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first frame of government for the United States of America, establishing a weak federal government to protect the sovereignty of the states. Adopted by Congress in 1777, the Articles were effective from 1 March 1781 until 4 March 1789, when they were replaced by the current United States Constitution.

More about: Articles of Confederation

Timeline

15 Nov 1777
The Second Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation, which are sent to the states for ratification.
1 Mar 1781
The Articles of Confederation take effect.
29 Aug 1786 - 27 Feb 1787
Shays' Rebellion threatens to topple the state government of Massachusetts, leading American political figures to rethink central government under the Articles of Confederation.