-
Article of Confederation go into effect
After gaining independence from Great Britain, America, the new country, decided to create the Articles of Confederation as a way of government since there is nothing else to base any laws and rules on. -
The Constitutional Convention Begins
Due to the failure of the Articles of the Confederation, people from the new country, the United States of America, came together to attempt to fix the current government. Unexpectedly, they re-created it. -
Virginia Plan - James Madison
James Madison, father of the Constitution, came up with the Virginia Plan, which included a bicameral legislature, and representation of the population, which can be considered the House of Representatives of today. However, it only talks about free inhabitants, not the slaves (at least until the 3/5 compromise) -
New Jersey Plan - William Paterson
In response to the Virginia Plan, William Paterson and his crew came up with the New Jersey Plan, a unicameral legislature with equal representation among the states, no matter how big or small. -
Adoption of the Constitution
The Constiutional Convention adopted the constitution. It was ratified by conventions in eleven states. -
Constitution goes into effect
The constitution, which was adopted in 1787, goes into full effect the same year that George Washington becomes president. (He is elected April 30th, 1789) The Constitution consists of:
1. The Preamble ("We the People...")
2. The Articles (The Government's Rules)
3. The Amendments (Bill of Rights and following...) -
Bill of Rights-Ratified
With the ratifications by Virginia, the Bill of Rights become accepted, and are the first 10 amendments to the constitution, including the basic rights like Freedom of Speech, Right to Bear Arms, Speedy Trial, Trial By Peers and others.
