Ratification and Implementation of the Articles of Confederation (1781)

Maryland ratified the Articles of Confederation on February 2, 1781, completing the final state approval. The Continental Congress officially proclaimed the Articles as the law of the land on March 1, 1781, and the body was renamed the Congress of the Confederation.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States, debated by the Second Continental Congress between July 1776 and November 1777. Ratification proceeded slowly, with twelve states approving by February 1779, leaving Maryland as the final state to consent to the new framework of government.

Maryland Ratification. On February 2, 1781, the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis voted to ratify the Articles. This decision resolved the final obstacle to the document's effectiveness, as the Articles came into force after being ratified by all thirteen states.

Congressional Proclamation. Congress was informed of Maryland's assent on March 1, 1781. On that date, the body officially proclaimed the Articles of Confederation to be the law of the land, and the legislative body was renamed the Congress of the Confederation.

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Sources

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