1776: Declaration of Independence By hongkongmurf Aug 8, 1776 Declaration of Independence Jan 1, 1777 Articles of confedeation endorsed by the continental congress and submitted to the colonies for ratification Aug 2, 1781 Articles of confederation officially "in force" after ratification by the colonies Aug 8, 1783 Treaty of paris is signed by the Great Britain and the United States, ending the revolutionary war. Senate ratifies in 1784 Feb 2, 1785 Land ordinance of 1785 pass by the congress provies for rectangular survey dividing northwestern territories into town ships. Mar 11, 1786 Ordinance of religious freedom adopted by the virginia legislature written by Thomas Jefferson. Sep 4, 1787 Daniel shays leads a rebellion of 1200 men in an attack against federal arsenal in Springfield. Oct 11, 1787 Constititional convention assembles in phiadelphia Oct 25, 1787 Nothwest ordinance enacted by congress provides for the eventual incorporation of three to five new states in the northwest territories Oct 28, 1787 The great compromise is presented by Roger Sherman, reconciling the virginia and new jersey plans. Nov 11, 1787 constitution is endorsed by congress and sent to state legislatures for ratication Nov 27, 1787 Federalist papers begin to be published Dec 9, 1788 the constitution is in effect after receiving the approval of the requisite nine states. Jan 1, 1789 the bill of rights is submitted by congress to the states for ratification Dec 2, 1789 Thomas Jefferson officially named secretary of state Dec 27, 1789 George washington is elected first president of the united states. John adams is vice president. Dec 30, 1789 war and treasury departments are established by congress. Dec 31, 1789 Federal judiciary act is passes by congress creates a six man supreme court with a chief justice and five associate justicies. Nov 9, 1791 The bill of rights is ratified Feb 10, 1803 The principle of judicial review is established by the supreme court in marbury v. Madison.