The first constitution of the United States. It was adopted in 1781 and replaced in 1788 by our present Constitution.

A form of political organization in which states combine for specified purposes, such as defense. The United States was a confederation from 1776 to 1788.

Used as a verb, it means to entrust someone to represent your interests. As a noun, it means the person chosen to act for you or represent you, usually at a convention or meeting.

An important law passed by Congress in 1787 under the Articles of Confederation. The law provided for settling the western lands and organizing new states.

An order or law made by a government.

George Washington was born in Virginia in 1732. He grew up there on several plantations along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. He was not particularly well educated, but did learn surveying. In 1753, he began his service to the country, which was to continue throughout his life, despite his desire to live a more private existence. Washington's efforts as commander of the Continental Army are well known. After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, Washington returned to his home, Mount Vernon. Although he did not initially want to attend the Philadelphia Convention, his friends convinced him that his presence was necessary. He was elected president of the convention but spoke little. His presence and approval, however, were important. Nearly everyone assumed that Washington would be the first president of the United States, which, of course, he was, serving from 1789-1797.

Revolutionary soldier and postwar rebel. One of several leaders of the revolt in western Massachusetts against the state government. In 1786, he led armed farmers in a raid on the Springfield arsenal. Fled to Vermont when his band was defeated and later settled in New York.