Independence required each colony to first form its own republican government

Evidence

With his lawyerly mind, Adams viewed the formation of republican governments in the various colonies or states as a necessary corollary to declaring independence. “The success of this War depends upon a Skillfull Steerage of the political Vessell,” he wrote in March 1776. “Each Colony should establish its own Government, and then a League should be formed, between them all. This can be done only on popular Principles.” The people would then rule in each state through their elected representatives acting under their laws and constitution. — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 162

Categorization

• XREF: Adams’ sequencing — state constitutions before union — precurs to the Articles of Confederation and later dual-sovereignty debates relevant to the course. — connects to: Colonies moved toward independence uncertain whether local or congressional action made them sovereign — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 189; Congress’s May 1776 resolution urged colonies to adopt republican governments — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 166; Independence in 1776 meant popular representative government replacing royal rule — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 5 (+2 more)

Broader Connections

• Independence in 1776 meant popular representative government replacing royal rule #corroborates (0.90) — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 5
• Congress’s May 1776 resolution urged colonies to adopt republican governments #expands (0.85) — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 166
• Colonies moved toward independence uncertain whether local or congressional action made them sovereign #complicates (0.75) — Edward J. Larson, Declaring Independence, 189