For America250, which American colony adopted the first constitution in 1776?

For America250, New Hampshire adopted the first American constitution in 1776. Its revolutionary government approved the document on January 5, months before the Declaration of Independence.

The New Hampshire constitution was created during the crisis caused by the collapse of royal authority. The colony’s congress established a temporary civil government with a legislature divided into an Assembly and a Council. It did not create a modern-style executive office.

This constitution was provisional. It was intended to operate while the conflict with Great Britain continued and until the Continental Congress provided further direction. New Hampshire later adopted a more permanent constitution in 1784, after independence.

Other colonies drafted constitutions during 1776. Pennsylvania adopted its influential constitution in September, while Virginia adopted its constitution in June. New Hampshire’s January action nevertheless gives it the first place among the revolutionary American constitutions.