| − | The '''Articles of Confederation''', written in [[1777]], ratified by the colonies March 1, 1781, established the [[United States of America]]. Signed by [[John Dickenson]], [[Benjamin Franklin]], [[Roger Sherman]] and other future [[Framers]] of the [[U.S. Constitution]], the Articles instituted a perpetual union of the [[thirteen colonies]] into a confederation that could operate unitarily in times of [[war]]. The new [[Federal government|national government]] consisted only of a [[Legislature]], with one vote per state. A 3/4 vote was required to pass [[laws]], and amendments required unanimous voting. | + | The '''Articles of Confederation''', written in [[1777]], ratified by the colonies March 1, 1781, established the [[United States of America]]. Signed by [[John Dickinson]], [[Benjamin Franklin]], [[Roger Sherman]] and other future [[Framers]] of the [[U.S. Constitution]], the Articles instituted a perpetual union of the [[thirteen colonies]] into a confederation that could operate unitarily in times of [[war]]. The new [[Federal government|national government]] consisted only of a [[Legislature]], with one vote per state. A 3/4 vote was required to pass [[laws]], and amendments required unanimous voting. |