b. The adoption of the initiative, referendum, and recall in the National government. c. Federal legislation governing both marriage and divorce throughout the Nation. d. Federal jurisdiction over all cases affecting foreigners—for example in instances like the Italian riot in New Orleans, or in the Japanese problem on the Pacific coast. 101 The following is a brief outline of the various attempts at union among the colonies. (a) 1643-1684—New England Confederation: Massachusetts Bay; Plymouth; Connecticut; New Haven. (b) 1684—Albany Council. (c) 1690—First Colonial Congress. (d) 1696—William Penn’s Plan. (e) 1701—Robert Livingston’s Plan. (f) 1722—Plan of Daniel Cox. (g) 1754—Plan of Rev. Mr. Peters. (h) 1754—Plan of the Lords of Trade. (i) 1754—Albany Plan. (j) 1765—Stamp Act Congress. (k) 1774—First Continental Congress. (l) 1775—Second Continental Congress. (m) 1781—Congress of the Confederation. (n) 1787—The Federal Convention. (o) 1789—The New Government. The chief reasons keeping the colonies apart were: 1. Natural geographical divisions—North, Middle, and South. 2. The great differences in size—Virginia many times larger than Rhode Island. 3. The instinct of local self government. 4. Character of settlers and the motives in making settlements. 5. The slave question, especially after 1750. 6. Their different forms of government—Royal, Proprietary, Charter.