<P> The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first constitution of the United States . It was drafted by the Second Continental Congress from mid-1776 through late - 1777 , and ratification by all 13 states was completed by early 1781 . Under the Articles of Confederation , the central government 's power was quite limited . The Confederation Congress could make decisions , but lacked enforcement powers . Implementation of most decisions , including modifications to the Articles , required unanimous approval of all thirteen state legislatures . </P>
<P> The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first constitution of the United States . It was drafted by the Second Continental Congress from mid-1776 through late - 1777 , and ratification by all 13 states was completed by early 1781 . Under the Articles of Confederation , the central government 's power was quite limited . The Confederation Congress could make decisions , but lacked enforcement powers . Implementation of most decisions , including modifications to the Articles , required unanimous approval of all thirteen state legislatures . </P>
which constitution preceded the current united states constitutions
which constitution preceded the current united states constitutions
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union