Drafted by the Continental Congress in 1777 and ratified in 1781, the Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States. The articles provided for a "firm league of friendship" within which each of the states retained "its sovereignty, freedom, and independence." Citizens of each state were given equal privileges and immunities, freedom of movement was guaranteed, and procedures for the extradition of accused criminals were outlined. However, four broad weaknesses of the document made it impossible for the Congress to execute its duties. These weaknesses were analyzed in The Federalist. Delegates to the Annapolis Convention of 1786 met to discuss the problem of interstate commerce, one of the principal weaknesses of the Articles. Out of this gathering came the proposal for the Constitutional Convention that met in Philadelphia the following year.