In Virginia, Thomas Jefferson and other leaders strongly believed that a national government was needed. Finally, they convinced state lawmakers to give up Virginia's claims to western lands. In 1781, Maryland ratified the Articles of Confederation, and the first American government went into effect.

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On Government

Protecting freedoms. Virginia further limited the power of government by including a bill of rights in its constitution. A bill of rights lists freedoms that the government promises to protect. In Virginia, the bill of rights protected freedom of religion and freedom of the press. Citizens also had the right to a trial by jury. Other states followed Virginia's example and included bills of rights in their own constitutions.

Expanding the right to vote. Under state constitutions, more people had the right to vote than in colonial times. To vote, a citizen had to be a white male and be over age 21. He...