The first thing that the states (former colonies) did after the declaration of independence was to:

In reality, the United States did not exist as they presently do after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

However, the representatives of the colonies stayed in Philadelphia for several weeks after the signing.

The colonies were told to get ready for war against the British.

The principle that george w. bush used to keep white house communications confidential would be executive privilege. but i maybe wrong : )