1787.
These and other events convinced the people that an important change in the government was necessary. It became clear that a vigorous central authority, alone, could answer the purpose. The States were nearly independent of each other; but this produced conflicts and want of harmony, which nearly ruined them all.
A congress of deputies to consider commercial questions, called by Va. had, in Sept., 1786, recommended a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Feb. 2—The Continental Congress assembled, electing Gen. St. Clair, President.
” 12—Congress approves the call for a Constitutional Convention.
May 25—The convention assembled in Philadelphia, and elected Gen. Geo. Washington, President.
July 11—The Continental Congress organize the Northwest Territory—north of the Ohio river. Preparations were immediately made for settling it.
Sept. 28—The Constitution, as signed by the members of the convention, laid before Congress, which sends it to the State Legislatures for approval.
Arthur Middleton of S. C., and Thomas Stone of Md., signers of the Declaration of Independence, died, Jan. 1st and Oct. 5th, respectively.
Dec. 7—Delaware ratifies the Constitution.