Origins of American Government

Mayflower Compact

Nov 21, 1620

Almost all of the Mayflower's adult males signed the Mayflower Compact which was the first framework of government for what would become the U.S.A.

Peace Treaty with Britain

1738

The Confederation signs a peace treaty with Britain, recognizing American Independance

Stamp Act

1765

The 1st major American Colonists opposition to British policy in 1765 was the Stamp Act. It was a taxation measure to raise revenues for a standing British Army in America.

Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

An English-American publisher of "Common Sense" in January of 1776. It paved the way for the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

The American colonists of the 13 colonies declare themselves an independent nation, severing their political connections to Great Britain. (www.history.state.gov/milestones/1776-1783/declaration#)

Articles of Confederation

1781

This very first U.S. constitution established a confederation of sovereign states, from 1781-1787

Land Ordinance of 1785

1785

This ordinance allowed the government to survey and divide the NW Territory into townships of equal acreage.

Constitution

1787

In 1787, after the Shays Rebellion, delegates meet to change Articles of Confederation for trade regulation and more effective government. It was then given a new name, the Constitution.