The Articles Of Confederation: The First Constitution: United States

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The Articles of Confederation was the United States first constitution. Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort. Congress was also given the authority to make treaties and alliances, maintain armed forces, and coin money. The Articles of Confederation was written in 1787 and ratified on March 1st, 1781. (http://www.history.com/topics/articles-of-confederation) Important people involved in the Articles of Confederation were George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Dickinson, Daniel Shays, and Richard Henry Lee. http://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/articles/terms.html The major downfall of the Articles of Confederation were its weaknesses. It gave