“The Boston Tea Party” provoked the English Parliament into passing “The Boston Port Bill,” closing that city to commerce. This act led to immediate measures for assembling delegates, representing twelve colonies in North America (Georgia, only, was not represented), for the purpose of consultation on the measures required for the protection of colonial rights. This body, called “The Continental Congress,” assembled in Philadelphia, September 5, 1774. It drew up a “Declaration of Colonial Rights;” and, for the purpose of enforcing them, agreed to accept as a basis of common action fourteen articles, known as “The American Association.” This was the origin of the American union. Though it did not assume organic political power, and its ordinances were only advisory in form, it was better obeyed than most governments. Arrangements were made for another Congress in May following. Its day of meeting was hastened by the battle of Lexington, and it immediately proceeded to assume the powers of a General Government, at the request of some of the provincial Legislatures, and with the tacit consent of all. It received its authority from its representative character; from the imperious necessity of a head to organize and direct; and from the voluntary obedience rendered to its mandates. It performed all the functions of a gover............