New Hampshire ratified the first state constitution in the United States, an early milestone leading toward America’s 250th anniversary.
New Hampshire adopted its first constitution on January 5, 1776, before the Declaration of Independence was approved. It created a temporary revolutionary government while royal authority was being removed during the conflict with Britain.
Several other colonies soon replaced royal charters or created new constitutions. These documents established governments claiming authority from the people rather than from the British Crown.
New Hampshire’s 1776 constitution was temporary and relatively brief. The state later adopted a permanent constitution in 1784, which remains the basis of New Hampshire’s constitutional system, although it has been amended many times.