After the Declaration of Independence was signed,the colonists didn't think themselves as colonies.

Each state had to make a decision of the type of government to have.

THE BIG PICTURE

Each state was now a colony.

It would have a convention(formal meeting held for a special purpose)to make these decision.

The 13 states decided to unite (join together) and become the United States of America.

Each state wanted to be independent, like its own country.But, they needed to join together in case they were attacked.