Delegates from the secessionist Southern states gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, in early 1861 to draft and adopt the Constitution for the Confederate States of America. This convention came on the heels of several states leaving the Union, driven largely by disagreements over slavery, economic policy, and states' rights. On March 11, 1861, the delegates approved this foundational document, which was heavily influenced by the U.S. Constitution but contained important distinctions reflecting the Confederacy’s priorities, particularly in its unwavering support for the institution of slavery and the autonomy of individual states.

The Constitution of the Confederate States aimed to solidify the legal standing of the Confederacy and provide a cohesive political framework. It explicitly protected the institution of slavery and limited the central government's powers, reflecting the fears of many Southern leaders regarding federal overreach. The contrasting principles between the representatives of slaveholding states and their Northern counterparts were evident, highlighting the ideological divides that had driven the nation to the brink of war. The new government sought to establish legitimacy and order in response to perceived threats from the Union, especially after the election of Abraham Lincoln.

This adoption was not merely a formality; it was a statement of purpose and identity for the Confederacy. The document served as both a declaration of independence from the United States and a manifesto of the reasons for its creation. The legislative framework legitimized the secession movement, creating a legal basis for the Confederate government’s actions in the ensuing conflict. Consequently, this moment laid the groundwork for the Confederacy’s operations and decisions during the American Civil War as both sides moved toward military confrontation.