No hereditary powers had ever existed; and every authority had been derived either from the people or the king.

The crown being no longer acknowledged, the people remained the only source of legitimate power.
The materials in their possession, as well as their habits of thinking, were adapted only to governments in all respects representative; and such governments were universally adopted.
The provincial assemblies, under the influence of congress, took up the question of independence; and, in some instances, authorized their representatives in the great national council, to enter into foreign alliances.

Many declared themselves in favour of a total and immediate separation from Great Britain; and gave instructions to their representatives conforming to this sentiment.
{June 7.} Thus supported by public opinion, congress determined to take this decisive step; and on the 7th of June, a resolution to that effect was moved by Richard Henry Lee, and seconded by John Adams.

The resolution was referred to a committee, who reported it in the following terms.
"Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; and that all political connexion between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." {June 28.} {July 2.} This resolution was referred to a committee of the whole, in which it was debated on Saturday the 8th, and Monday the 10th of June.

It appearing that New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina were not yet matured for the measure, but were fast advancing to that state, the debate was adjourned to the first of July, when it was resumed.