“the boston tea party” provoked the english parliament into passing “the boston port bill,” closing that city to commerce. this act led to immediate measures for assembling delegates, representing twelve colonies in north america (georgia, only, was not represented), for the purpose of consultation on the measures required for the protection of colonial rights. this body, called “the continental congress,” assembled in philadelphia, september 5, 1774. it drew up a “declaration of colonial rights;” and, for the purpose of enforcing them, agreed to accept as a basis of common action fourteen articles, known as “the american association.”
this was the origin of the american union. though it did not assume organic political power, and its ordinances were only advisory in form, it was better obeyed than most governments. arrangements were made for another congress in may following. its day of meeting was hastened by the battle of lexington, and it immediately proceeded to assume the powers of a general government, at the request of some of the provincial legislatures, and with the tacit consent of all. it received its authority from its representative character; from the imperious necessity of a head to organize and direct; and from the voluntary obedience rendered to its mandates. it performed all the functions of a government until all prospect of reconciliation with great britain was lost, when, june 11, 1776, a committee was appointed to prepare “a declaration of independence.” this was adopted and signed july 4, 1776.
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on the 12th of july, a committee of one from each state reported on the terms of confederation, and the powers of congress; but differences of opinion, and the pressure of military affairs prevented action on it. on the 9th of september, 1776, the name “united colonies of america” was discarded for that of “united states of america.” georgia had appointed delegates on the 4th of july, so that there were “thirteen united states.”
on saturday, november 15, 1777, “articles of confederation and perpetual union of the united states of america” were agreed to in congress, and sent to the states for approval. eight of the state legislatures had ratified these articles on the 9th of july, 1778; one ratified july 21st; one july 24th; one november 26th, of this year; one february 22d, 1779; and the last, march 1, 1781.
this document was little more than a digest of the powers before assumed by congress, and tacitly acknowledged by the states from the commencement of the war. this, now legal, bond had existed before as a free, though unspoken, submission to the dictates of prudence and patriotism.
