Writing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights 1774 - First Continental Congress Meets in Philadelphia 1776 - Declaration of Independence 1786 - Shay's Rebellion Shows the Need for a New Constitution 1787 - The United States Constitution is Written 1788 - Congress Sends 12 Amendments to the States 1789 - Alexander Hamilton Shapes America's Modern Industrial Economy 1791 - States Ratify Madison's Bill of Rights