[oldmanjay]

The revolution came about first, but the United States government was enacted by a vote of the second continental congress, formed of delegates from the thirteen colonies.

What I'm getting at is that the rulers of the new government voted to start it. That's pretty much what I'd expect from any government.

[ubernostrum]

The rulers voted to start it. That's convenient. I vote myself ruler! Now do you plan to obey the laws I make?

(and no, "the people were the rulers" doesn't count, given how many of the people weren't considered "the people" at the time)