HISET Social Studies Practice 2025 - Free HISET Social Studies Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Articles of Confederation is recognized as the first official constitution of the United States. This document, ratified in 1781, established a league of friendship among the thirteen states and outlined a government that operated before the current U.S. Constitution was adopted in 1789. It played a crucial role in the transition from the colonial governance structure to a system that recognized the sovereignty of states while attempting to create a collective entity for issues such as defense and trade.

The Articles provided the first structure for an American government, addressing issues such as the powers and limitations of Congress, but ultimately revealed weaknesses that led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The necessity of a stronger federal government became clear after facing challenges under the framework of the Articles, such as economic instability and lack of authority to enforce laws.

Understanding the significance of the Articles of Confederation is essential, as it laid the groundwork for the political and legal systems of the United States that followed, marking an important chapter in U.S. history.