Documents of Note

1. Documents of Note Unit 1, Lesson 4

2. Continental Congress • Ran the war effort during the American Revolution. • It was composed of delegates from the 13 colonies. • Created the Continental Army and appointed Congressman George Washington as commanding General. • They had no legal authority to govern, but assumed all the functions of a national government. • Ultimately brought forth the Declaration of Independence.

3. NC’s Significant Documents • Mecklenburg Resolves • Created by the Mecklenburg Committee of Safety on May 20th, 1775. • They stated that all laws derived from the King and Parliament were annulled and vacated. • They did not call for independence. • They were sent to NC’s delegates in the Continental Congress. They held off on presenting the resolves to the Congress as a whole. • Halifax Resolves • Were adopted by NC on April 12th, 1776. • This was the first official action in the American colonies calling for independence from Britain. • Helped paved the way for the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

5. A Confederation • A confederation (or confederacy), is a permanent union of political units for common action in relation to other units.[1] Usually created by treaty but often later adopting a common constitution, confederations tend to be established for dealing with critical issues (such as defense, foreign affairs, or a common currency), with the central government being required to provide support for all members.

6. Articles of Confederation • Articles that provided how this confederation would be ran. • Our first Constitution • Constitution – fundamental principles and rules defining how a state or organization should be governed • The first draft was presented July 12th, 1776. • The Continental Congress approved the final draft for ratification by the individual states on November 15th, 1777. • Ratification – must be approved through vote to become valid • Ratified by all 13 colonies on March 1st, 1781.