On December 18, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitutional framework for the United States. This document created a loose alliance of sovereign states but struggled to give the federal government actual power.

Key figures in this event included John Dickinson, who drafted the Articles, and George Washington, who supported their adoption. The Congress's action stemmed from the need to unite the American colonies in the fight for independence against Great Britain.

The Articles of Confederation provided a crucial early step toward unifying the states and establishing a government. However, their inability to levy taxes or regulate trade led to economic challenges that spurred the creation of the U.S. Constitution years later.

Public reaction to the Articles was mixed; many citizens feared a strong central government, while others recognized the need for such unity. This debate eventually contributed to the drafting of the Constitution in 1787.

A surprising consequence of the Articles was that they left significant power with individual states, leading to a lack of cohesion and effectiveness in addressing national issues.

Critics of the Articles noted that they resembled a treaty between nations rather than a functioning government, highlighting inherent weaknesses.

Interestingly, the Articles of Confederation were enacted amid the Revolutionary War, showcasing the courage of early leaders to attempt a unified government despite ongoing conflict.

The ratification process was slow, taking nearly four years, as many states had their concerns about the balance of power and federalism.

What do you think about the balance of power in government? Does it feel crucial to maintaining liberty today?