What was the first constitution of the United States that served as an agreement among the original states?

The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States that functioned as an agreement among the original states. Ratified in 1781, it established a framework for a national government, emphasizing a strong role for the states while creating a weak central authority. This was significant because it represented an early attempt to unite the states under a common set of rules and guidelines after gaining independence from British rule.

The Bill of Rights refers specifically to the first ten amendments of the Constitution, which were ratified later to guarantee individual liberties, rather than being an original governing document. The Declaration of Independence served as a proclamation of independence from Britain, outlining the colonies’ reasons for breaking away but did not serve as a governing document for the states. Lastly, the Constitution, adopted in 1787, replaced the Articles of Confederation and created a stronger federal government, demonstrating a shift in governance that followed the limitations faced under the Articles. Thus, it is the Articles of Confederation that is accurately identified as the initial governing agreement among the states.