The American government underwent significant changes from 1600 to 1799 as the country transitioned from a British colony to an independent nation. In the early 17th century, the American colonies operated under colonial charters, granting them varying degrees of self-government. However, tensions grew between the colonies and British authorities, leading to the American Revolution in the late 18th century. The Revolution resulted in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, establishing the principles of individual liberty and natural rights that would shape the American government. The Revolutionary War was followed by the Articles of Confederation in 1781, which created a weak central government, highlighting the need for a stronger system. This led to the drafting of the United States Constitution in 1787, which laid the foundation for a federal system with separation of powers, checks and balances, and the Bill of Rights. By the end of the 18th century, the American government had evolved from a set of British colonial charters to a new democratic republic, setting the stage for the growth and development of the nation in the future.
