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The American Revolution
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During the Revolution, the American colonies were united under a framework of gov-
ernment called the Articles of Confederation. This agreement enabled the 13 colonies
to work together. After the war ended, however, it was clear that a stronger
federal
government
was needed. In 1787, a new framework of government, the U.S. Constitu-
tion, was drafted and ratified by the states. For more than 225 years, the Constitution
has been the basis for government in the United States.