Hi my name is Maria Roberts, head historian here at the National U.S. history museum. I am here to teach you about The Articles of Confederation. Now just follow me.

The Articles of Confederation were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Pennyslvinia statesmen. The Articles were ratified by Congress in 1781 and is considerd the first national constitution that governed America from 1781-1789.

The articles had some weeknesses that are part of the reason why it didn't workout, like congress had no power to raise taxes, no president ,and no army or navy.

The Northwest Ordinance assisted in the orderly expansion of the United States, it outlined a plan for applying for statehood western territories.