Documents By claudiamfl Jul 8, 1775 Olive Branch first draft approved The first draft written by John Dickinson was approved by congress. Period: Jul 8, 1775 to Dec 15, 1791 Years Documents were approved/written Jan 10, 1776 Common Sense was written Jul 1, 1776 The Declaration of Independence was written Jul 4, 1776 The Declaration of Independence was adopted Dec 19, 1776 First pamphlet of the American Crisis is written Nov 15, 1777 The Article of Confederation was written Sep 3, 1783 Treaty of Paris was signed Dec 9, 1783 Last pamphlet of the American Crisis was written Jul 18, 1787 Northwest Ordinance was passed Jun 22, 1788 Constitution ratified Dec 15, 1791 Bill of Rights came to effect