The Constitution is a document that explains our nation's guiding principles and the rights guaranteed to all U.S. citizens.
Many countries have constitutions.
But our Constitution is the oldest written national constitution in existence. Because it has passed the test of time, many countries have used it as a model for their constitutions. Strife Between States From 1781 to 1788, the government of the U.S. was based on the Articles of Confederation. Congress, as defined by this early document, wasn't strong enough to prevent the 13 states from acting independently. Each state had its own government and could make its own laws.