What is the first constitution of the United States, which was in effect from 1781 to 1788?

The first constitution of the United States that was in effect from 1781 to 1788 is the Articles of Confederation. This document was established to govern the United States during and immediately after the Revolutionary War, providing a framework for a national government. The Articles of Confederation created a loose alliance among the thirteen states and emphasized state sovereignty, which reflected the colonists' fears of a powerful central government after their experience with British rule.

During its existence, the Articles had significant limitations, such as the lack of a strong federal authority to impose taxes or regulate commerce effectively. These shortcomings ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the current Constitution was drafted and ratified, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

The other choices refer to important documents within American history: the Constitution of the United States is the current governing document; the Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual rights; and the Declaration of Independence is a foundational document declaring the American colonies' independence from British rule. However, none of these documents served as the first constitution of the United States, making the Articles of Confederation the correct answer.