From Ohio History Central The Articles of Confederation were
ratified in 1781. This was the format for the United States
government until the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation
was the earliest form of government of the newly independent
British colonies. The United States Constitution replaced the
Articles of Confederation. On July 4, 1776, the Second
Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence. The
document proclaimed the separation of the American colonies from
Great Britain and formally began the American Revolution. The
new nation then had to create a new government to replace the
monarchy it was trying to overthrow. After much debate, the
Americans adopted the Articles of Confederation. This document
established a very weak national government that consisted of a
one-house legislature known as the Confederation Congress. The
Congress had the power to declare war, sign treaties, and settle
disputes between the states. It could also borrow or print money
and could ask for funds fr