| − | The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the united states. They were replaced by the current constitution just a few years after they were first ratified. Though largely ineffective, the articles did accomplish one noteworthy thing: [[The Northwest Ordinance]] | + | The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of the United States. They were replaced by the current Constitution just a few years after they were first ratified. Though largely ineffective, the articles did accomplish one noteworthy thing: [[The Northwest Ordinance]] |