The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777. This document served as the United States' first constitution. It was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789 when the present-day Constitution went into effect. This original constitution of the not-so-United States was written with such a fear of tyranny that it hobbled the new nation with a sclerotic and feeble national government, centering power in the states. The fear of a strong central government embedded in this document echoes throughout American political history. 

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“Article II. 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.”

Foundational Documents

Click on the thumbnails below for fabulous resources on each of the 9 Foundational Documents.

Each includes an introduction to the document, the primary source, and a blank rubric for students as well as a completed teachers version.