In May 1776, the Congress called on the colonies to form new state governments "under the authority of the people." Each state formed constitutions consisting of the curbing of the power of governors, which increased the power of the legislatures, making them the focal point of government. Americans then realized that legislatures also could act tyrannically, so each state's constitution eventually included some form of a bill of rights, which set limits on the power of government to interfere in the lives of citizens.
Upon declaring independence in 1776, the Continental Congress needed…
