Articles of Confederation
definition: a constitution drafted by the newly independent states in 1777, ratified in 1781. It created a weak national government that couldn't levy taxes or regulate commerce. In 1789 it was replaced by the Constitution in order to create a stronger national government
Significance: The Articles of Confederation was the first national government and first "constitution" of the US. Though the federal government had little power it kept the 13th states united under one doctrine