United States History 1775-1800

Congress accepts the Articles of Confederation

Nov 1, 1777

The Articles of Confederation was the first American plan of union, or America's first national constitution. Congress formally adopted them in November of 1777.

The Constitutional Convention

May 14, 1787

This was a turning point in American history. Delegates from all the states came to work on revising the Articles of Confederation and forming a new stronger government.

The End of the Constitutional Convention/Signing of the Constitution

Sep 17, 1787

On this date, all 39 delegates from 12 states who attended the Convention signed the Constitution. In the Constitution, there was a U.S. government with 3 separate branches.

Delaware became the first state to ratify the Constitution

Dec 7, 1787

The Delaware convention was the first to vote a unanimous "yes" on the ratification of the American Constitution.

Congress approves the 12 Amendments to the Constitution (The Bill of Rights)

Sep 15, 1789

Even though important states ratified the Constitution, they still wanted a Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments were called the Bill of Rights, which protected both individuals and states on too much federal government power. The Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791.