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U.S. Constitution
The Constitution is the law of the land in the U.S. It is the oldest written constitution still in the use in the world -
Publication of the Albany Congress
This was the first document to detail a proposal of inter-colonial unity and to aim for a permanent union of American colonies. -
Richard Henry Lee proposes independence in Congress
Lee proposes a resolution that calls for drafting a declaration of independence and a plan of government and confederation. -
Committee apointed to draft Articles of Confederation
Congress appoints a committee chaired by John Dickson to draft the plan of confederation. -
Passengers on the Mayflower sign the Mayflower Compact
Before leaving the ship that took them from England to America, male passengers sign the Mayflower Compact -
The Declaration of Independence is adopted
With war underway, the 13 colonies officially break away from Great Britain with the Declaration of Independence -
Virginia becomes the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, which form the basis of the new government of the U.S, are ratified by Virginia -
Bill of Rights Ratified
The Bill of Rights was passed by congress and ratified by all of the original 13 states -
Amendmant XI
Law suites against states, the judicial power of the U.S. shall not be constructed to extend to any suit in law or equity -
Amendmant 27
Congressional pay raises, no law, varying the compensation for the services of the senators and representatives
