1976
The Continental Congress signs and adopts the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

1777
The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation and sends them to the states for their ratification.

1781
On January 2 Virginia relinquishes its claims on its western lands (now the state of Kentucky) convincing Maryland, the only holdout, to ratify the Articles of Confederation; the Articles of Confederation become the first system of government of the United States of America.

1786
On August 15 Shays's Rebellion begins; the Annapolis Convention, attended only by five states, takes place from September 11–14 and issues a resolution calling for another convention to be held in May 1787 to discuss ways of strengthening the Articles of Confederation.

1787
February 4: The Massachusetts militia defeats Daniel Shays and his followers at Petersham, Massachusetts; this is the last formal military engagement of Shays's Rebellion. February 21: Congress adopts the Annapolis resolution, calling for a convention to be held in Philadelphia...