<P> The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first constitution of the United States . It was drafted by the Second Continental Congress from mid-1776 through late - 1777 , and ratification by all 13 states was completed by early 1781 . Under the Articles of Confederation , the central government 's power was quite limited . The Confederation Congress could make decisions , but lacked enforcement powers . Implementation of most decisions , including modifications to the Articles , required unanimous approval of all thirteen state legislatures . </P>
what was the name of the first constitution in america
Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union