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After facing a variety of grievances against England, the 113 colonies declared their independence.
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The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the U.S.
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By the mid 1780's it was clear that the Articles were too weak to enforce unity. A nation could not function effectively if its' states were independent.
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There was a convention held in Philadelphia to reconstitute the Articles of Confederation to make a stronger, more efficient national government.
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Leaders assembled and wrote the constitution. It was adopted on September 17, 1787.
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The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1789 and continues to be the longest functioning constitution in the world.