<P> Except for about a year during 1835 -- 1836 , the United States has continuously had a fluctuating public debt since its Constitution went into effect on March 4 , 1789 . During the American Revolution , the Continental Congress , under the Articles of Confederation , amassed huge war debts , but lacked the power to repay these obligations through taxation or duties on imports . </P>
<P> Except for about a year during 1835 -- 1836 , the United States has continuously had a fluctuating public debt since its Constitution went into effect on March 4 , 1789 . During the American Revolution , the Continental Congress , under the Articles of Confederation , amassed huge war debts , but lacked the power to repay these obligations through taxation or duties on imports . </P>
when was the last time the usa had no debt
when was the last time the usa had no debt
about a year during 1835 -- 1836
about a year during 1835 -- 1836