As an expert in political history, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of when the United States became a democracy. The journey towards democracy in the United States is a complex and nuanced one, with many significant milestones that contributed to the establishment of its democratic system. To understand this process, it's important to recognize that the concept of democracy has evolved over time, and the United States has undergone numerous transformations to reach its current form of government. **The Colonial Period and the Influence of Enlightenment Ideas** Before the United States was even a nation, the seeds of democracy were planted during the colonial period. European settlers, particularly those from England, brought with them ideas about governance that were influenced by the Enlightenment. Thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu had a profound impact on the colonists' understanding of the social contract and the separation of powers. These ideas would later be reflected in the founding documents of the United States. **The American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence (1776)** The American Revolution, which began with the shots fired at Lexington and Concord in 1775, was a pivotal moment in the move towards democracy. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the formal assertion of the thirteen colonies' independence from British rule. While the Declaration did not establish a democratic government, it articulated the principles of equality and self-governance that would guide the formation of the new nation. The Articles of Confederation (1781) After the Revolutionary War, the newly independent states adopted the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first written constitution of the United States. However, the Articles proved to be inadequate for governing the nation, as they created a weak central government with little power to enforce laws or regulate commerce. **The Constitutional Convention and the U.S. Constitution (1787)** Recognizing the shortcomings of the Articles, delegates from the states convened in 1787 to draft a new constitution. The U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1788, established a federal system of government with a system of checks and balances. It created three branches of government—the legislative, the executive, and the judicial—and outlined the process for amending the Constitution. This was a significant step towards a more democratic system, as it provided a framework for the rule of law and the protection of individual rights. **The Ratification of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights (1789)** The Constitution was not initially popular among all citizens, and its ratification was a contentious process. To address concerns about individual liberties, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were added in 1789. These amendments guaranteed fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to bear arms, further solidifying the democratic principles of the new government. **The Election of George Washington and the Establishment of the Republic (1789)** George Washington's election as the first President of the United States in 1789 marked the official establishment of the republic. His leadership set many of the precedents for the office of the presidency and helped to legitimize the new government in the eyes of the people. **The Expansion of Suffrage and the Struggle for Equality** While the early democratic system in the United States was established, it was far from inclusive. Initially, only white, property-owning men could vote. Over the years, there have been significant expansions of suffrage through amendments and legislation, such as the 15th Amendment, which granted voting rights to African American men, and the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The Ongoing Evolution of Democracy Democracy in the United States continues to evolve. The struggle for civil rights and the push for a more representative and inclusive government are ongoing processes. The United States has seen numerous reforms and changes to its electoral system, campaign finance laws, and voting rights, all in the pursuit of a more perfect union. In conclusion, while the United States has its roots in democratic principles with the Declaration of Independence in 1776, it was the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1788 and the subsequent establishment of the government in 1789 that truly marked the beginning of the country's democratic journey. The United States' democracy has been shaped by its history, its people, and its commitment to the ideals of freedom and equality. read more >>

This week, 215 years ago, the lofty ideals of the Constitution passed their first test. The dawn of American democracy didn't come in 1776, with the Declaration of Independence. It didn't come in 1788, when the Constitution was ratified by the states, or in 1789, when George Washington took office.Sep 20, 2011read more >>