Early steps were taken to supply the deficiencies of this government, which was effective only through the generous patriotism of the people. In July, 1778, two years after the Declaration, Articles of Confederation were ratified by nine States, but the assent of all was not obtained till March, 1781. The character of this new government, which assumed the style of “The United States of America,” appears in the title of these Articles, which was as follows: “Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union _between the States_ of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.” By the second article it was declared that “_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.” By the third article it was further declared that “the said _States_ hereby severally enter into _a firm league_ of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare.” By another article, a “committee of the _States_, or any nine of them,” was authorized, in the recess, to execute the powers of Congress. The government thus constituted was a compact between _sovereign States_, or, according to its precise language, “a firm league of friendship” between these _States_, administered, in the recess of Congress, by a “committee of _the States_.” Thus did State Rights triumph.