Events with tag - Constitution

June 19, 1754

Albany Congress

The Albany Congress was a pivotal colonial gathering held from June 19 to July 11, 1754, bringing together representatives from seven British colonies. Led by Benjamin Franklin, the congress aimed to address colonial defense and Native American relations while proposing the first framework for unified colonial government.

May 25, 1787

Constitutional Convention of 1787

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a pivotal gathering in Philadelphia where 55 delegates from 12 states met to draft the United States Constitution, establishing a new system of federal government to replace the Articles of Confederation.

May 25, 1787

Electoral College Establishment

The Electoral College, established during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, was created as a compromise solution for presidential elections in the United States, fundamentally changing how Americans would select their president.

September 17, 1787

Signing of the U.S. Constitution

The Constitutional Convention concluded on September 17, 1787, when 39 delegates signed the United States Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, establishing a new framework for American governance after four months of intense deliberation.

September 24, 1789

US Supreme Court Establishment

The United States Supreme Court was established by Article III of the Constitution and the Judiciary Act of 1789, creating the nation's highest judicial authority with six justices led by Chief Justice John Jay.

September 25, 1789

First Amendment Proposal

The First Congress of the United States proposed the First Amendment along with eleven other amendments, which would later become known as the Bill of Rights. This pivotal moment in American history established the foundation for protecting essential civil liberties.

January 1, 1791

First US Constitutional Crisis

In 1791, America faced its first constitutional crisis during George Washington's presidency over the establishment of the First Bank of the United States, sparking a fundamental debate between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson about constitutional interpretation.

December 15, 1791

Bill of Rights Ratification

The Bill of Rights was officially ratified on December 15, 1791, when Virginia became the tenth state to approve the amendments, establishing fundamental individual liberties and limitations on federal power in the United States Constitution.

April 4, 1841

Tyler's Presidential Succession

John Tyler becomes the first vice president to assume the U.S. presidency following the death of President William Henry Harrison, establishing the 'Tyler Precedent' for presidential succession.

July 10, 1850

Millard Fillmore Becomes President

Millard Fillmore takes the oath of office as the 13th President of the United States in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building, following the unexpected death of President Zachary Taylor. This historic transition marked a crucial moment in American politics during a period of intense national debate over slavery.

February 4, 1861

Confederate States Formation

Seven Southern states officially established the Confederate States of America, marking a pivotal moment that led to the American Civil War. The formation occurred in Montgomery, Alabama, with Jefferson Davis elected as president.

March 11, 1861

Confederate Constitution Adoption

The Confederate Constitution was officially adopted in Montgomery, Alabama, establishing the legal framework for the Confederate States of America. This pivotal document, created by delegates from seven Southern states, marked a significant moment in American history leading to the Civil War.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

President Abraham Lincoln's executive order that declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate states during the American Civil War, transforming the conflict into a fight for human freedom and enabling Black Americans to join the Union military forces.

January 1, 1863

Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring all slaves in Confederate states to be free. This historic executive order transformed the Civil War into a fight for human freedom and laid the groundwork for the eventual abolition of slavery in the United States.

June 20, 1863

West Virginia Becomes 35th U.S. State

West Virginia achieved statehood on June 20, 1863, becoming the only state formed by separating from another state during the Civil War. The region broke away from Confederate Virginia due to strong Union loyalty and distinct economic differences.

December 6, 1865

Thirteenth Amendment Ratification

The Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified, marking the formal abolition of slavery throughout the United States. This historic amendment passed after intense political negotiations and required approval from three-fourths of the states.

December 6, 1865

13th Amendment Ratification

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on December 6, 1865, marking the formal abolition of slavery throughout the United States. This historic legislation, championed by President Abraham Lincoln, required intense political maneuvering and transformed the nation's social and legal landscape forever.

July 9, 1868

14th Amendment Ratification

The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, establishing citizenship rights and equal protection under law for all Americans, including former slaves. This transformative amendment fundamentally changed the relationship between states and federal government during the Reconstruction era.

August 18, 1920

19th Amendment Ratification

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the constitutional right to vote after a 72-year struggle. This historic moment marked a fundamental change in American democracy, adding 26.8 million women to the electorate.

June 2, 1924

Indian Citizenship Act

A landmark legislation that granted full U.S. citizenship to approximately 125,000 Native Americans who previously lacked this status, marking a pivotal moment in American civil rights history.

June 18, 1934

Indian Reorganization Act

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was a pivotal legislation that ended the destructive allotment era and restored Native American tribal sovereignty. It provided framework for tribal self-governance, land restoration, and cultural preservation.

May 3, 1940

Constitution Day History

Constitution Day, originally established as 'I Am an American Day' in 1940, evolved into a national observance celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constitution and promoting constitutional education across America.

February 27, 1951

22nd Amendment Ratification

The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, limiting presidents to two four-year terms or a maximum of 10 years if they assumed the presidency through succession. This amendment formalized the two-term tradition established by George Washington.

January 1, 1957

Native American Voting Rights Journey

Despite the 15th Amendment granting voting rights to all citizens in 1870, Native Americans faced systematic discrimination and were the last group to gain full voting rights in the United States, with Utah finally granting these rights in 1957.

February 10, 1967

25th Amendment Ratification

The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, establishing crucial procedures for presidential succession, disability, and filling vice-presidential vacancies in response to concerns raised after President Kennedy's assassination.

July 1, 1971

26th Amendment Ratification

The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. It became the fastest-ratified amendment in U.S. history, taking just 100 days to complete the process.

August 9, 1974

Nixon's Resignation

Richard Nixon becomes the first U.S. President to resign from office following the Watergate scandal, marking a pivotal moment in American political history that fundamentally changed public trust in government institutions.

August 9, 1974

Nixon's Resignation

Richard Nixon becomes the first U.S. President to resign from office following the Watergate scandal, marking a historic moment in American political history.

September 17, 1987

US Constitution Bicentennial

The 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution was celebrated nationwide with grand ceremonies, educational programs, and commemorative events coordinated by the Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution under Chief Justice Warren E. Burger.

May 7, 1992

27th Amendment Ratification

The 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified after an unprecedented 203-year delay, becoming the most recent constitutional amendment. It prevents Congress from implementing immediate pay raises for its members.

December 19, 1998

Clinton Impeachment

Bill Clinton became the second U.S. president to be impeached when the House of Representatives approved two articles of impeachment for perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

January 20, 2017

Trump Presidential Inauguration

Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States on January 20, 2017, becoming the first person without prior military or government service to assume the presidency. The historic ceremony took place at the U.S. Capitol, where Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office.