Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation are the first framework for a government approved for the United States. They were proposed in 1777, while the Revolutionary War was being fought. They were ratified by the 13 states in 1781.

Proposal

The Articles of Confederation were proposed by a committee headed by John Dickinson during the Second Continental Congress, on July 12, 1776. The proposal carried over into the Third Continental Congress. The Congress debated the original proposal over the course of meeting during 1777, and finalized the Articles on November 15, 1777. The Articles officially changed the designation of the rebellious colonies to states, and officially named the new nation "The United States of America."

Confederation

The Articles of Confederation created a confederal government - a government whereby the member states are independent nations joined by an umbrella government responsible for certain powers of common interest. For example, Article 3 of the Articles locks the states into a mutual defense treaty, promising troops from all states to help repel invasion of any state from outside. Article 2, however, makes it clear that the states retain all powers not expressly granted to the national government.

Replacement

The Articles were in effect until the the Constitution was ratified and the first Congress met in 1789.