Early in June of 1774, a Boston newspaper published the text of a measure recently enacted in London. The British Parliament had tightened its control over the troublesome Massachusetts Bay Colony by giving the royal governor power over local government, the courts, and the legislature.

The people of Massachusetts were astonished — and outraged. They responded immediately. When the governor attempted to dissolve the General Court at Salem, the members locked the doors of the courthouse. That act of defiance effectively marked the end of royal government in Massachusetts.

The colonists now faced the challenge of creating a workable form of self-government. Massachusetts towns were highly politicized; getting them to agree on a plan proved to be a formidable task. Although the Bay Colony was the first of the original 13 to cast off royal authority, it was the last to adopt a new constitution. In the end, it took the wisdom, skill, and experience of John Adams to craft a document on which the people could agree.