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Declaration of Independence
The declaration of independence is a documnet approved by the continental congress.The document declares the independence of the nation. -
America gets a flag
Congress declared that the flag of the United States would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen white stars. -
Congress Creates a Department of Finance
American finances were in such dire straits that Congress saw the need for a separate department of finance. Robert Morris was appointed superintendent of finance. -
The Army Complains
a delegation of army officers complained to Congress about their unpaid salaries and pensions, Congress had no quick solution.If its attempt was ignored, the army was prepared to revolt against Congress. -
Congress Ratifies the Preliminary Articles of Peace
After Spain, France, and Britain successfully came to terms, the treaty between France, Britain, and America was put into effect, and warfare formally ceased. Congress ratified the Articles of Peace. -
Congress Creates a Board of Finance
When Robert Morris resigned as superintendent of finance, he was replaced by a Board of Finance consisting of three commissioners. -
Basic Land Ordinance
Congress arranged for surveys to divide the western territories into townships, with one lot in each town set aside as a site for a public school. -
Congress Lacks Power over Commerce
American commissioners attempted to make trade arrangements with Britain, the British Ambassador refused, because any state could decline to abide by Congress's trade regulations. The inability of Congress to regulate commerce on a national scale led to the formation of a committee dedicated to appealing to the states to grant Congress enlarged powers over commerce. Despite these attempts, no effective action was taken. -
Attempts to Revise the Articles of Confederation
A committee debated the question, and recommended several changes, including granting Congress power over foreign and domestic commerce, and enabling Congress to collect money owed by the states. Under the Articles, unanimous approval from all thirteen states would be necessary to pass the suggested changes -
Congress Receives the Constitution
Although some congressmen were displeased at the Convention for doing far more than revising the Articles of Confederation, on September 28 Congress agreed to pass the Constitution on to the states, so each could debate it in separate ratifying conventions. Nine states had to agree to the new Constitution for it to go into effect. -
The Constitution Is Ratified by Nine States
New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the new Constitution, making its adoption official. Preceding New Hampshire were Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and South Carolina. Virginia and New York ratified shortly after New Hampshire, followed by North Carolina in November 1789. Rhode Island was last to ratify, not joining the Union until May 1790. -
ratification of the bill of rights
codifying fundamental freedoms, it won over states skeptical of a federal government at the time of our founding and proved our Constitution to be a living document, capable of evolving to perfect our Union. The basic rights it guarantees—to religion, speech, press, privacy and more—have come to define our nation.