The United States of America, after winning a long, expensive war with Great Britain to secure its newly declared freedom was finally on the road to a bright future, right? Not exactly.
America’s first government was formed under the Articles of Confederation, but too much power was left with the wary States. This rendered the central government too weak to fulfill its mission – something more was needed and quickly. The situation had become so critical that no one, from the average citizen to the highest office, could deny their beloved nation was on the verge of collapse.
Fortunately, James Madison and others were able to persuade the States to send their finest individuals to Philadelphia to attend a convention to remedy the situation. These included notable delegates, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. But even with these great patriots it was an uncertain journey, full of heated debates, and frustration during those four hot, summer months in 1787. One thing was certain, the new Constitution they were drafting would have dramatic ramifications on the nation - and the world.
America’s first government was formed under the Articles of Confederation, but too much power was left with the wary States. This rendered the central government too weak to fulfill its mission – something more was needed and quickly. The situation had become so critical that no one, from the average citizen to the highest office, could deny their beloved nation was on the verge of collapse.
Fortunately, James Madison and others were able to persuade the States to send their finest individuals to Philadelphia to attend a convention to remedy the situation. These included notable delegates, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. But even with these great patriots it was an uncertain journey, full of heated debates, and frustration during those four hot, summer months in 1787. One thing was certain, the new Constitution they were drafting would have dramatic ramifications on the nation - and the world.
