Which document preceded the U.S. Constitution and created a weak federal government?

The Articles of Confederation was the document that preceded the U.S. Constitution and created a weak federal government. Ratified in 1781, the Articles established a system of governance that emphasized state sovereignty over a central authority. This framework was characterized by a limited federal government that lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws.

As a result, the national government struggled to operate effectively, leading to issues such as financial instability and an inability to respond to interstate conflicts or external threats. These weaknesses ultimately prompted the need for a stronger federal government, culminating in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence was primarily a statement announcing the colonies’ separation from Britain, while the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties. The Federalist Papers, a series of essays, were written to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution and explain its intent, not to establish a government framework before it.