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In the postwar years, Hamilton pursued twin careers, as a lawyer and a civic leader. He argued cases that set historic precedents, and helped found New York's first bank. He also anxiously watched the nation's struggles with its financial and political burdens. Calling for a stronger, more responsible form of federal government, he was one of the leaders, along with Washington and James Madison, in the fight for a new Constitution.
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| With James Madison and John Jay, Hamilton made the case for ratifying the Constitution in a series of 85 essays published anonymously in New York newspapers. |
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| 1782 |
Hamilton studies law.
He is elected to the Continental Congress. |
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Hamilton arguing before panel of three judges
Photo: Library of Congress
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| 1783 |
The American Revolution ends. |
| 1784 |
He helps found the Bank of New York.
Hamilton argues Rutgers v. Waddington, a landmark case concerning the rights of former Loyalists and the formulation of judicial review. |
| 1786 |
As a delegate to the Annapolis Convention, he writes a call for the Constitutional Convention.
Shays' Rebellion |
| 1787 |
Constitutional Convention; three states ratify the Constitution.
Hamilton attends the Constitutional Convention.
He begins writing The Federalist papers, in collaboration with James Madison and John Jay. |
| 1788 |
At the Poughkeepsie convention, Hamilton leads the fight for New York to ratify the Constitution.
Eight more states ratify the Constitution. |
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