First Amendment to the United States Constitution restrained but by despotic Governments." Eight of the other twelve states made similar pledges. However, these declarations were generally considered "mere admonitions to state legislatures", rather than enforceable provisions. After several years of comparatively weak government under the Articles of Confederation, a Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia proposed a new constitution on September 17, 1787, featuring among other changes a stronger chief executive. George Mason, a Constitutional Convention delegate and the drafter of Virginia's Declaration of Rights, proposed that the Constitution include a bill of rights listing and guaranteeing civil liberties. Other delegates—including future Bill of Rights drafter James Madison—disagreed, arguing
Delaware Constitution of 1776 were to be elected. The General Assembly was to meet October 28, 1776 and continue in office until October 1, 1777. Subsequent elections were to take place annually on the first of October, with the General General Assembly meeting the twentieth of October. No armed persons or militia were allowed within one mile of polling places within a day of elections. Delaware Constitution of 1776 The Delaware Constitution of 1776 was the first governing document for Delaware state government and was in effect from its adoption in September 1776 until its replacement by the 1792 constitution. On June 15, 1776,