Before the United States Constitution was ratified, the nation was primarily known as the United States of America. However, prior to this formal declaration, the collective entities were generally referred to as the United Colonies.
The Transition: From United Colonies to United States of America
The journey to establish a new nation involved several stages of naming and governance:
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The "United Colonies" Period (Pre-September 9, 1776):
Initially, the thirteen British colonies in North America that sought independence were commonly referred to as the "United Colonies." This term reflected their collective effort against British rule, even before a formal national identity was fully established. -
The Birth of the "United States of America" (September 9, 1776):
A pivotal moment occurred on September 9, 1776, when the Continental Congress formally declared the name of the new nation to be the “United States” of America. This significant declaration replaced the previously general use term of "United Colonies," solidifying a more unified and independent identity. This change happened well before the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.- This formal naming occurred shortly after the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, signaling a definitive break from British colonial status.
The Articles of Confederation Era
Following the declaration of its new name in 1776, the "United States of America" operated under its first foundational governing document: the Articles of Confederation.
- Adoption and Ratification: The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Continental Congress in 1777 and finally ratified by all states in 1781. This established a confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government.
- Government Before the Constitution: For nearly a decade, from 1781 until the U.S. Constitution took effect in 1789, the "United States of America" functioned under the Articles of Confederation. During this period, the nation faced numerous challenges, including economic instability and a lack of strong federal authority, which ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention.
Therefore, for the significant period between 1776 and 1789, the nation was officially known as the "United States of America," even though it was governed by the Articles of Confederation rather than the Constitution.
Summary of Names Before the Constitution
The table below outlines the primary names used for the developing nation before the U.S. Constitution was enacted:
| Period | Name | Governing Document / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to Sept. 9, 1776 | United Colonies | Collective Colonial Efforts |
| Sept. 9, 1776 – 1781 | United States of America | Under Continental Congress |
| 1781 – 1789 | United States of America | Under the Articles of Confederation |
This timeline clearly shows that the name "United States of America" was firmly established and in use for over a decade before the current U.S. Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation as the supreme law of the land.
