Articles Of Confederation

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/artconf.htm

The Stile of this Confederacy shall be "The United States of America" (Federation)

Each state retains its Sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.

The said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretense whatever.

Agreed to by Congress 15 November 1777 In force after ratification by Maryland, 1 March 1781

Thomas Jefferson essay

Replaced by the US Constitution.