Which document served as the first constitution of the United States?

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States, established in 1781. It created a framework for the national government, outlining the powers of Congress and the responsibilities of the states. While the Articles facilitated cooperation among the states, they also exposed significant weaknesses, such as the lack of a strong central government and the inability to levy taxes or regulate commerce. This ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the current Constitution was drafted, making the Articles of Confederation an essential yet transitional document in American history. The other documents mentioned, such as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution of 1789, were important in shaping the rights and structure of the government but came after the Articles. The Declaration of Independence, while foundational in declaring the colonies’ independence from British rule, did not function as a governing document.