ABSTRACT
After 1776 the new states were faced with the necessity of drawing up constitutions which expressed their political beliefs and goals. The state constitutions framed during this period were both a reflection of, and a reaction to, the experiences of Americans under English rule. The new state constitutions followed English and colonial precedents and provided for bicameral legislatures. The members of the upper house, usually called a senate, were also elected by the people, but for a longer term than assembly members. State constitutions contained a bill of rights. Most of these rights were borrowed from English documents such as the Magna Carta, Petition of Right, and Bill of Rights. While all these changes were taking place on the state level, the delegates at the Continental Congress were attempting to agree on some sort of central government, which was necessary if only to prosecute the war and deal with foreign governments.
