Constitution • 1781

Articles of Confederation

John Dickinson & the Continental Congress

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Drafted by John Dickinson in 1777 and ratified in 1781, the Articles of Confederation were the first constitution of the United States. They created a 'firm league of friendship' among sovereign states but gave Congress no power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce its laws — failures that drove the call for the Philadelphia Convention six years later.

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. Article III. The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them.

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