Democracy Innovation Timeline
Our history highlights that reform is not only possible—it is tradition.
#### The American story is one of constant innovation and renewal, where democracy rises to meet the challenges of each new age. The Constitution documents a journey of transformation, inviting us to reflect on centuries of innovation in American democracy. Citizens have routinely amended outdated practices, reinforced core tenants, and forged new institutions.
#### This timeline is one pillar of CSPC’s Quarter Millennial project, reflecting on major accomplishments in our nation’s history—from expanded voting rights, to the reconstruction amendments, to non-partisan primaries. This interactive timeline of over fifty formative innovations encapsulates a living Republic that evolves with the vibrance of its people.
#### As a living project, we look forward to expanding the timeline with more entries overtime and welcome public input. We trust this reflection on the past will inspire our generation to imagine what the next 250 years of reform will look like. **Click on an entry to begin exploring!**
1776-07-04 00:00:00
Declaration of Independence
The colonies declare independence from Britain, assert universal rights and launch the American Revolution.
1781-03-01 00:00:00
Articles of Confederation
The first U.S. constitution creates a weak central government that fails to manage national issues, leading to calls for reform.
1788-06-21 00:00:00
Ratification of the Constitution
A stronger federal government establishes a new Constitution, including the promise for a Bill of Rights.
1790-03-26 00:00:00
Nationality Act of 1790
Citizenship is granted to white male immigrants, mainly from Western Europe.
1791-12-15 00:00:00
Ratification of the Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments are added to protect individual freedoms and ease fears of federal overreach.
1796-12-07 00:00:00
Advent of the Two Party System
Federalists and Democratic-Republicans form the first political parties, beginning the U.S. two-party tradition.
1824-12-02 00:00:00
Popular Elections for Presidential Electors
By 1824, eighteen states selected presidential electors for the Electoral College by popular vote, growing from just five states who did so in 1789.
1828-12-02 00:00:00
Jacksonian Democratization
Andrew Jackson wins the presidential election of 1828, setting off a wave of democratization across the United States.
1828-12-02 00:00:00
Bureaucratic Democratization
In the late 1820s President Andrew Jackson reformed the system for selecting bureaucratic officials to be more democratic, although it would later grow corrupt.
1832-05-21 00:00:00
Party Conventions and Mass Party Politics
A wave of new voters and nominating conventions fuel populist campaigns and record political participation.