About America's First Constitution
This document established the framework for the young nation’s government
On August 19, 1749, the County of York was created as the fifth county of Pennsylvania, the first county west of the Susquehanna River. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress signed and adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and proclaimed to King George III of England that the thirteen States of America were united as an independent sovereign nation.
And, on November 15, 1777, the Second Continental Congress met at the Courthouse in the square of York and adopted the Articles of Confederation, our nation’s first constitution, which for the first time referred to the “United States of America.”
The U.S. National Park Service recognizes it as the country’s first constitution. York County describes it as our nation’s first constitution. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission acknowledges it as our nation's first constitution. The National Archives defines it as the first constitution of the United States.
After 16 months of debate, the Continental Congress, sitting in its temporary capital of York, Pennsylvania, agrees to adopt the Articles Of Confederation and Perpetual Union on November 15, 1777. Not until March 1, 1781 would the last of the 13 states, Maryland, ratify the agreement.
This "first constitution of the United States" established a "league of friendship" for the 13 sovereign and independent states. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.
The Articles of Confederation also outlined a Congress with representation not based on population – each state would have one vote in Congress. During its time as the capital, York witnessed several pivotal moments in American history.
The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, was one of those pivotal moments. The document established the framework for the young nation’s government and laid the groundwork for the future Constitution.
In May of 1787, the Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. They shuttered the windows of the State House (Independence Hall) and swore secrecy so they could speak freely.
By mid-June the delegates had decided to completely redesign the government. After three hot, summer months of highly charged debate, the new Constitution was signed, which remains in effect today.