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Articles of Confederation
The first American constitution. It created a loose alliance of 13 independent States. -
Land Ordinance of 1785
Set up a government for the Northwest Territory. It guaranteed basic rights to settlers and outlawed slavery there. It also provided a way to admit new states to the nation. -
Shays' Rebellion
A rebellion which was led by Daniel Shays. Many farmers attacked courthouses and kept officials from seizing farms. -
Constitutional Convention
Its goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation. This system created an entirerly new framwork of government. -
Three-Fifths Compromise
Once again the delegates compromised. Three fifths of the slaves in any state would be counted in its population. -
Great Compromise
The delegates narrowly approved Sherman's plan. Each side gave up some demands to achieve unity. -
Signing the Constitution
Finally on September 17,1787, the Constitution was ready to be signed. The Constitution called upon each State to hold a convention to approve or reject the plan for the new government. Once a State endorsed it, the Constitution would go into effect. -
Philadelphia Celebrates
In July 4, 1788, Philadelphia celebrates. A festive parade filled along Market Street, led by soliders who fought in the revolution. -
Proposed a Set of 12 Admendments
The first Congress propossed a set of 12 admendments. They were written by James Madison -
Bill of Rights
By December 1791, 3/4 of the states had ratified 10 out of 12 amendments. These amendments became known as the Bill of Rights. They were the first to be on the United States constitution.
