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The writing of the declaration of rights and grievances
The declaration of rights and grievances was written by the Stamp Act congress. This states the rights of colonists, that they possessed all the rights of Englishmen, and taxes imposed on the colonies without consent were unconstitutional and that trial by jury is right. This document contained 27 grievances. They were inspired by need of a new government. The constitution addressed each grievance in the declaration. -
The passing of the Intolerable Acts
The intolerable acts were laws passed by the British parliament. The laws were mean' t to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance during the tea party protest. The acts were passed during the months of March and May of 1774. The intolerable acts decimated support for constitutional monarchy. The structure of the U.S Constitution is a direct reflection of the intolerable acts. -
The American Revolution
During the American Revolution, the colonies rebelled against Great Britains rules. The battle began at Lexington and Concord on April 1776. This was the start of the revolutionary war. Later, the colonist were waging for a war to gain independence which was won in 1781. After they won their independence, the colonies needed a written form of government which was later established as the constitution. -
The publishing of common sense
Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine and is a pamphlet that favors independence from Britain to the colonists. He argues the independence from Britain, and the creation of domestic republic. In his pamphlet he lists problems within the British political system. He encourages people in the colonies to fight for egalitarian government. He provided an outline within his writing for a new constitution. -
The signing of the Declaration of Independence
The signing of the Declaration of Independence occurred on August 2, 1776. It took place at the Pennsylvania state house, Independence hall in Philadelphia. The Declaration of Independence broke all ties between the American colonies and Great Britain. It set forth ideas and principles for a just and fair government. The constitution outlines how that government would function. -
The adoption of the articles of confederation
The continental congress adopted the articles of confederation.These articles were made to be guiding principles to preserve the independence of the states.The articles were adopted November 15,1777 but did not come into force until March 1,1781.The articles created a loose confederation of sovereignty states with a weak central government.This left the power with the state governments.The need for a stronger federal government became apparent which led to the constitutional convention in 1787. -
Shay's Rebellion
Shay's rebellion was an armed uprising in the western side of Massachusetts in opposition to a debt crisis among citizens. The states Government increased efforts to collect taxes on individuals and their trades. Though shay's rebellion failed to exceed its goals, it focused attention on the weaknesses of the articles of confederation and prevented the government from managing the countries finances. -
The start of the constitutional convention
The constitutional convention was a debate that lasted 100 days. It took place in Pennsylvania state house which was later named independence hall due to its adoption of the declaration of independence. The goal of this convention was to establish when and how American would be governed. Its purpose was to revise the Articles of Confederation. The convention gathered all delegates to discuss the new government which later impacted the the drafting of the constitution.
