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Declaration of Independence
The declaration of Independence was drafted in June by Thomas Jefferson. This document expressed the convictions in the minds of Americans. It lists the natural rights of citizens and a list of grievances against the King. The Declaration of Independence now stands as a symbol of liberty. -
Articles of Confederation endorsed by the Continental Congress and submitted to the colonies for ratification
When the articles wer written, it created a weak central government. Most of the power was left to the state governments. -
Articles of Confederation officially "in force" after ratification by the colonies
There was a need for a strong federal government. This eventually led to the Articles of Confederation finally being put "in force" after ratification by the colonies. -
Treaty of Paris is signed by Great Britain and the United States, ending the Revolutionary War. Senate ratifies in 1784.
The treaty of Paris ended the revolutionary war. The war was between Great Britain and the United States. The treaty of paris recognized American independence and established borders for the new nation. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
Land Ordinance of 1785 passed by Congrss provides for rectangular survey dividing northwestern territories into townships, which are in turn divided into lots of 640 acres each, with one lot set aside for public education. Under the Articles of Confederation, congress could not raise revenue by direct taxation. -
Ordinance of Religious Freedom
Ordinance of Religious freedom was written by Thomas Jefferson and passed by the Virginia General Assembly. This later became the model for first amendment to the constitution. -
Daniel Shays leads a rebellion
Daniel Shays led a rebellion called Shay's rebellion. There were 1,200 men in an attack against federal arsenal in Springfield, Massachussets. This was an important in influencing the creation of a new constituation. -
Federalist papers begin to be published
After the constitution os endorsed by congress and sent to state legislatures for ratification, federalist papers begin to be published. -
Constitutional Convention
On May 25th, 1787, the constitutional convention convened in Philadelphia. During this, they planned to overthrow the new American government as it had been defined by the Articles of Confederation. -
Northwest Ordinance
Northwest Ordinance enacted by Congress provides for the eventual incorporation of three to five new states in the Northwest territories, with the establishment of a bicameral assembly, freedom of religion, the right to trial by jury, public education, and a ban on slavery. -
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise, also known as The Connecticut Compromise, is presented by Roger Sherman, recinciling the Virginia and New Jersey plans advocates proportional respresentation in the House of Representitives and equal representation in the Senate. -
Constitution Endorsed by Congress
The Constitution is endorsed by Congress and then sent to state legislatures for ratification. -
Constitution goes into effect
The constitution recieved the approval of the requisite nine states. After that, the constitution was put into effect. -
George Washington elected president
On February 4th, George Washington is elected the first president of the United States. 69 members of Congress cast their ballots to elect George Washington. John Adams is Vice President. -
Federal Judiciary Act
This act is passed by Congress and it creates a six-man Supreme COurt with a Chief Justice and fice Associate Justices. Also provides for an attorney General, and for the judicial system of 13 district courts and three circuit courts. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson is officially named Secretary of state. John Jay is named Chief Jutce of the Supreme Court. -
War and Treasury Department
War and Treasury Departments are esablished by Congress. Henry Knox will be the Secretary of War. Alexander Hamilton will be the secretary of the Treasury. -
Bill of Rights
In 1789, the Bill of RIghts is submitted by Congress to the states for ratification. -
Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights was finally ratified on December 15, 1791.
