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Period: to
Documents
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Common Sense
Published by Thomas Paine 1776. A widely distributed pamphlet calling on the colonists to permanently separate from England. England's geographic distance and mercantilist policies were the key arguments for separation. -
Declaration of Independence
Written largely by Thomas Jefferson listing greivances against the King and announcing official separation from England. Stated that governments should be based on Natural Rights, and derive their power from "consent of the governed." -
Articles of Confederation
Created a simple legislature to creat our first form of national government. -
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National Debate on the New Government
Delegates met in Philadelphia, and issues were debated publically as well as in the press. -
The Federalist Papers
Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, This series of 85 essays argued for a strong national government with limits and checks. -
The Constitution Ratified
Popular sovereignty was establish and a new national government was formed. -
The Constitution Takes Effect
George Washington assumed office as our first President. -
Bill of Rights Takes Effect
The first Ten Amendments to the Constitution guaranteed that basic rights would be protected from the new federal government.
