The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution of the United States of America. The Articles of Confederation was first drafted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1777. As adopted, the articles provided only for a "firm league of friendship" in which each of the 13 states expressly held "its sovereignty, freedom, and independence." The People of each state were given equal privileges and rights, freedom of movement was guaranteed, and procedures for the trials …showed first 75 words of 847 total…

…showed last 75 words of 847 total…and surrendered. Shays and a few other leaders escaped for a while. The Supreme Judicial Court soon sentenced fourteen of the rebellion's leaders, including Shays, to death for treason. They were later pardoned by the newly elected Governor John Hancock. Only two men, John Bly and Charles Rose of Berkshire County, were hung for their part in the Rebellion. A new Massachusetts Legislature in Boston began to undertake the slow work of reform. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**