### Overview of the Earliest Written Laws in Different National Contexts

The question of the first written law in a country provides fascinating insights into its legal and cultural heritage. Here, we explore two fundamentally different answers, each specific to two distinct nations: the United States and Korea. The examination into the United States points towards the Articles of Confederation, while the exploration of Korea highlights Gyeongje yukjeon, an ancient statute from the Goryeo period.

### The Articles of Confederation: The First Written Law of the United States

#### Historical Context
Prior to the establishment of the Constitution, the foundational governance document of the United States was the Articles of Confederation. Drafted during the early years of American independence, this document emerged from the need to unify the thirteen original colonies under a common legislative framework, which would coordinate their efforts in the Revolutionary War against Britain.

#### Formation and Features
The Articles of Confederation were adopted by the Second Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, following a period of debate over the division of powers between the state and the national government. The Articles went into effect on March 1, 1781, after being ratified by all thirteen states.

Under the Articles, the states retained sovereignty over all governmental functions not specifically relinquished to the national Congress, which was endowed with authority in areas like war and foreign policy. However, Congress lacked the power to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws directly on individuals, which led to significant functional deficiencies.

#### Impact and Legacy
The Articles of Confederation served as the de facto set of legal standards in the early United States but were soon perceived as inadequate due to their weak federal government structure. This realization led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where the current Constitution of the United States was drafted, leading to the eventual supersession of the Articles in 1789.

### Gyeongje Yukjeon: Korea's Earliest Documented Law

#### Historical Background
Gyeongje yukjeon, or "Six Articles of State Administration," is deemed one of the earliest codified sets of laws in Korean history, dating back to the Goryeo dynasty. This period in Korean history, lasting from 918 to 1392, was marked by significant cultural and political development, including the promulgation of legal codes influenced by Confucian bureaucratic systems.

#### Description and Elements
Gyeongje yukjeon comprised fundamental statutes that outlined the administrative setup and the responsibilities of various government offices. These laws were pivotal in structuring the central bureaucratic machinery of the Goryeo dynasty. They emphasized ethical governance, the importance of agricultural production, and the roles of various officials in maintaining state affairs.

The code reflected a blend of indigenous Korean legal traditions and Chinese Confucian principles, showcasing the hybridization typical of Goryeo statutory creations. The emphasis was as much on promoting moral governance as on maintaining order and procedural rigor in state mechanisms.

#### Significance
The Gyeongje yukjeon paved the way for more comprehensive legal compilations in later periods, notably influencing subsequent legal systems in Korea, including the Joseon dynasty's famed legal codex. It highlighted the early Korean inclination towards structured governmental systems and the importance of written law in public administration.

### Conclusion
The Articles of Confederation and Gyeongje yukjeon each represent significant milestones in their respective nations' legal histories. Although arising from vastly different cultural and historical contexts, both documents underscore the pivotal role of law in structuring and sustaining governance. The transition from these initial frameworks to more developed legal systems illustrates the dynamic nature of law as a fundamental pillar of society.