The Declaration of Independence said that the colonies were free from English rule. It was signed on July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence, but had help from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. After the Revolutionary War, George Washington became the first President of the United States. President Washington created the cabinet system.
Cabinets are the major agencies of the federal government.
Today there are 13 cabinets. He served two terms as President. John Adams became the second President of the United States. When Adams became President, it was the first peaceful change of power in history. Back to top Return to Kid's Corner Articles of Confederation From 1781 to 1789, the Articles of Confederation was the basic law of the country.