Okay so Im doing a compare & contrast essay on key events that changed the Unites States between 1776-1870

Of course im going to include the creation of the US Constitution. But, I'm having a hard time coming up with the "before & after" effect?

What exactly changed?
What was it like before the Constitution was formed?

2 answers

and yes I did read it. I just don't know what to put for the before...
Consider our independence, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, slavery, Civil War, and emancipation.