-
Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This was the start of American government -
Articles Of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation, a loose association of the 13 states, takes
effect. This was a weak beginning to Americas law of the land, with an even weaker central government. -
The Annapolis Convention
Commissioners from five states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, New York and Virginia) meet in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss common
problems under the Articles of Confederation. This Annapolis Convention becomes the
prelude to the Constitutional Convention. -
Virginia Plan
James Madison writes a letter to George Washington outlining the
“Virginia Plan,” the blueprint of our Constitution. We still use this today and is a main point of our government -
Articles Of Confederation revise
The Constitutional Convention secures a quorum and convenes at
Independence Hall (the very same room where the Declaration of Independence was
signed) in Philadelphia for the “sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of
Confederation.” -
Great Compromise
The convention approves the “Connecticut Compromise” or “Great
Compromise” offered by Roger Sherman. This defined the legislative structure and representation each state would have under the United States Constitution -
Anti-Federalist Papers
The first in a long series of Anti-Federalist papers appears under the
pseudonym “Centinel” (Samuel Bryan). Subsequent articles opposing the new
Constitution included those by “Brutus” (Robert Yates) and “Cato” (George Clinton). -
Fedaralist Papers
The first in a series of 85 Federalist essays appears under the
pseudonym of “Publius” (this one written by Alexander Hamilton) supporting the new
Constitution. Subsequent anonymously penned essays by Hamilton, Madison and John
Jay set forth the arguments of the Constitution. -
Washington Elected
George Washington garners 69 of 69 electoral votes to become our first
President and John Adams receives 34 electoral votes to become Vice President. -
Federal Judiciary Act
Congress enacts the Federal Judiciary Act that set the size of the
Supreme Court, established three circuit courts and 13 district courts, and created the
office of Attorney General. -
12 Amendments
Congress approves 12 constitutional amendments and sends them
to the states for the required three-fourths approval (nine of 13 states). -
Bill Of Rights Ratified
The Bill of Rights (10 of the originally proposed 12 amendments)
becomes law when Virginia becomes the 9th state to ratify the amendments.