Government Policy toward Native Americans
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
In 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to develop a plan for a central
government. Shortly thereafter, the Articles of Confederation were written and a union of states,
called the United States of America, came into being.
Under the Articles of Confederation, the newly developed central government was required
to share power with the states. Among the powers given over to the central government were
making war and peace, conducting diplomatic relations, requisitioning men and money from the
states, coining and borrowing money, and regulating Indian affairs. The states were responsible
for enforcing laws, regulating commerce, administering justice, and levying taxes.
During the mid 1780s, the Confederation Congress was particularly attentive to problems
in the Northwest Territory, an area of land located between the thirteen states and the Mississippi
River. Thousands of settlers had moved into the area by 1780. However, they were not the first
settlers. Living on the land were numerous nations of Native Americans. The Congress spent a
good deal of time and effort developing policies to keep peace between the white settlers and the
Native Americans. Treaties, the appointment of government agents and superintendents to serve
as intermediaries between Native Americans and the government, and raising and arming troops
to put down insurrections, are examples of strategies the Confederation Congress used to
maintain peace, meet the needs of the Native Americans, and open the area for further
settlement.
The United States Constitution
In May 1787, 55 men from twelve states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. At the outset, however, Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph presented a plan
prepared by James Madison for the design of an entirely new national government. The proposed
plan would lead to a four-month process of argument, debate, compromise, and the development
of the Constitution of the United States.
On September 17, 1787, the final draft of the new Constitution was read to the 42 delegates
still at the convention. Of the 42 men present, 39 affixed their signatures to the document and
notified the Confederation Congress that their work was finished. The Congress, in turn,
submitted the document to the states for ratification, where more argument, debate, and
compromise would take place. The state of Delaware was the first to ratify the Constitution. On
June 21, 1788, just nine months after the state ratification process had begun, New Hampshire
became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, and the Constitution went into effect.
In the two centuries since its ratification, many changes have been made to the
Constitution. However, the basic premises on which the Constitution was framed--the protection
of individual rights and liberties, limited government with separation of powers and checks and
balances, the federal system, and judicial review--remain at the heart of the "living" document.
