Congress of 1776
Many of the colonial state delegates of the Continental Congress of 1776 were instructed by their various legislatures not only to declare independence on behalf of their states, but to form a league or confederacy among the several States. They were also specifically instructed not to enter into any agreement that would compromise their state sovereignty or "police powers" - (exclusive right to legislate regarding their internal affairs.)
Accordingly, during the 1776 Continental Congress, Virginia's Richard Henry Lee proposed the following interlocking resolutions:
"That these United Colonies
are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from
all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and
the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
"That it is expedient
forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign alliances.
"That a plan of confederation
be prepared and transmitted to the respective colonies for their consideration and
approbation."
The "Continental Congress" voted in favor of Lee's resolutions on July 2, 1776.
After approving Lee's interlocking resolutions, the Continental Congress proceeded to form three separate committees: one to write a formal Declaration of Independence; one with representation from all thirteen States to draft Articles of Confederation; and one to draft the Treaty with France. (An Alliance with the King of France was finally made on February 6, 1778.)
