The Articles of Confederation comprised the first official U.S. constitution; however, they were short-lived, lasting from about 1776-1787. Under them, the central, or federal, government was far too weak; it had no president, court system, ability to tax, military, or monetary system. Nine of the thirteen states had to agree to pass a law, and all thirteen had to be in agreeance to make any amendents to the Articles. In essence, the states were strong, independent nations possessing the ability to regulate their own respective affairs. Some good did come out of the Articles, such as the passing of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which led to the much broader idea of Manifest Destiny; however, they proved to be a highly inefficient constition for the nation. After Shay's Rebellion took place in Massachusetts, the Founding Fathers, along with other influencial men in the nation, saw the need for change, pulling together to develop the new and improved, present-day Constitution.
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