America's first national government was based on which document?

The first national government of the United States was established by the Articles of Confederation. This document was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777 and served as the first constitution for the newly independent states. It provided a framework for the national government, allowing states to retain most of their sovereignty while creating a central government to manage common affairs.

The Articles of Confederation established a system where the national government had limited powers, such as conducting foreign affairs and making treaties, but lacked authority to impose taxes or regulate interstate commerce effectively. These limitations ultimately led to challenges in governance, prompting the eventual drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787, which sought to create a stronger federal structure. Understanding the Articles of Confederation is essential as they laid the groundwork for how the United States transitioned to its current system of government.