What is the primary statute that governs partnerships in the United States?

The primary statute that governs partnerships in the United States is the Uniform Partnership Act (UPA). The UPA was originally drafted in 1914 and has served as a foundational model for addressing the laws surrounding partnerships across many states. Its intent is to provide a consistent legal framework for formation, management, and dissolution of partnerships, which is essential as partnerships are often formed under varying state laws.

Many states have adopted or adapted the UPA into their own statutes, leading to a degree of uniformity in how partnerships are treated in different jurisdictions. While the Revised Uniform Partnership Act (RUPA) is based on the UPA and updates various provisions, the UPA itself remains foundational in defining partnership law in the United States.

Furthermore, acts such as the Business Corporations Act do not pertain to partnerships directly, as they focus on corporate entities rather than partnerships or joint ventures. The Model Partnership Act serves as a suggestion and is not a uniform code adopted nationwide, thus lacking the same legal authority as the UPA. Therefore, the UPA stands out as the core legislation governing partnerships.