What document is considered the first governing document of the United States?

The Articles of Confederation is recognized as the first governing document of the United States. Adopted in 1781, it established a ratified framework for the national government, creating a loose alliance of the thirteen states. It provided for a confederal system where the states retained most of the power, while the central government had limited authority. This document was a response to the need for a governing structure after independence from Britain, setting the stage for later developments in American governance.

The Constitution, established in 1787, replaced the Articles due to its weaknesses, showcasing the evolution of governance in the U.S. The Magna Carta, while historically significant, was an English document that limited the powers of the monarchy and did not govern the United States. The Federalist Papers, written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, are a series of essays that argued for a stronger federal government but do not serve as governing documents in themselves.