The first written constitution of the United States, which served as the governing document from 1781 to 1789. It created a weak central government with limited powers and gave most authority to the individual states.
Related terms
Central Government: A governing body that has authority over an entire nation or group of states. It is responsible for making and enforcing laws that apply to everyone within its jurisdiction.
Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments. It allows for shared powers and cooperation while maintaining some level of autonomy for each entity.
Constitution: A written document that outlines the basic principles, structures, and functions of a government. It serves as the supreme law of the land and provides a framework for how a country should be governed.