History and development Origins During the American Revolutionary War, the Thirteen Colonies, represented by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, declared themselves to be independent sovereign states and no longer under British rule. The affirmation was made in the Declaration of Independence, which was written predominantly by Thomas Jefferson and adopted unanimously on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress. Recognizing the necessity of closely coordinating their efforts against the British, the Continental Congress simultaneously began the process of drafting a constitution that would bind the states together. There were long debates on a number of issues, including representation and voting, and the exact powers to be given the central government. Congress finished work on the Articles of Confederation to establish a perpetual union between the states in November 1777 and sent it to the states for ratification.
history and development origins during the american revolutionary war the thirteen colonies represented by the second continental congress in philadelphia declared themselves to be independent sovereign states and no longer under british rule the affirmation was made in the declaration of independence which was written predominantly by thomas jefferson and adopted unanimously on july 4 1776 by the second continental congress recognizing the necessity of closely coordinating their efforts against the british the continental congress simultaneously began the process of drafting a constitution that would bind the states together there were long debates on a number of issues including representation and voting and the exact powers to be given the central government congress finished work on the articles of confederation to establish a perpetual union between the states in november 1777 and sent it to the states for ratification