Prior to writing the Constitution, the United States had a system of government known as the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation served as the country's first constitution from 1781 until the ratification of the current United States Constitution in 1789. Under the Articles, the federal government had limited powers, and most authority resided with the individual states. It established a weak central government, lacking the power to tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively. Consequently, the shortcomings of this system led to the decision to draft a new constitution and establish a more robust federal government.
