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British rule of America began in 1607. The Revolutionary War started in April 1775, before any declaration of independence by the 13 colonies. With almost no form of self-government, the colonies were compelled to meet as a Continental Congress in an effort to manage their war effort. Our Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, proclaiming that “(A)ll men are created equal,” and citing “(M)any injuries and usurpations,” including no right of representation in the legislature. Despite the historic importance of the Declaration, it was not ratified by all 13 self-declared states until March 1, 1781.

With a war underway, and no form of collaborative self-government, another Continental Congress was called which resulted in the adoption of our first constitution, of sorts. It was adopted in November 1777, but not finally ratified by the last state until 1781. By design, these Articles of Confederation were nothing more than a loose confederation of states, acting like independent countries.

With the War having ended in 1783, these fiercely independent states continued to struggle without any form of unified government. A Constitutional Convention was convened for the limited purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation, but without undermining the continued self-rule of the states. The 2 1/2 month process was grueling and confrontational. The eight northern states were comprised of about 1.9 million people, including 49,000 slaves. The southern delegation of five states represented about 2.4 million people, including 630,000 slaves.

Compromise and the moderating influence of George Washington resulting in the September 17, 1787 signing of our new and current constitution. As foundational as it was, it took nine months for the minimum required nine states to ratify.

In no place does the Constitution establish the voting rights of individual citizens. This subject was left to the determination of each state. At the time, the only eligible voters were white, property owning or tax paying men. This segment constituted about six precent of the population.

Buz Humphrey

Anacortes