Key Documents of the American Government

When was the Declaration of Independence written?

July 4 1776 during the American Revolution

Why was the Declaration of Independence written?

To declare freedom for all the colonies To tell the king their grievances

Why were the articles of confederation written?

To develop/establish a new form or plan of government for the entire nation where the central power was limited

Why was the constitution written?

To replace the Articles of Confederation and to strengthen the federal government and make powers more equal

Why was the Bill of Rights written?

To specify/protect the rights of the citizens

When was the Bill of Rights written?

1791 When NC and RI refused to ratify the constitution

When were the articles of confederation written?

Adopted in 1777 during the American Revolution

Other important information about the articles of Confederation

Central government was too weak states had most of the power

Other important information about the Declaration of Independence

The 13 colonies were not free until the end of the American Revolution

When was the constitution written?

September 1787-May 1790 after the articles of confederation failed

Other important information about the Bill of Rights

There are 17 other amendments after these 10 for a total of 27

Other important information about the constitution

There are seven articles/sections The supreme law of the land Has more power than state constitutions