History of the Constitution
Under the Articles of Confederation, each state remained independent, with a single vote, and there was no real power behind the central government. Within 2 years, it became obvious that the Articles of Confederation was weak – many people were in debt and states were printing money that was worthless. It was decided that the states should get together and fix the Articles and unite the states as one nation. Major challenges to governing through the Articles of Confederation:
Constitutional Convention Quick Facts:
The Constitutional Convention A stronger central administration was needed if the nation was going to survive. Delegates from each state (except Rhode Island) began arriving in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in May 1787. At first, only Virginia and Pennsylvania were represented. It took some of the delegates months to arrive. In fact, the last delegate to arrive showed up on August 6th! Early on, Gov. Edmund Randolph (Virginia) presented the Virginia Plan, which provided for a "national" government with three branches, the executive, the legislative, and the judicial.
Many of the delegates were outraged at the word "national," not wanting the states to lose power. There was also debate between small states and large states about representation in the national government. Individual rights over state rights were also debated, as was the head of government. In the end, most of the Virginia Plan was used; however, it would take a "Great Compromise." Aspects of the "Great Compromise"
The Constitution was finally finished on September 12, 1787 and made public. It did not contain any sort of Bill of Rights, even though that question had been heavily debated. Of the 42 delegates still present at the convention when it was finished, 39 signed the Constitution. Only Gov. Edmund Randolph (Virginia), George Mason (Virginia), and Elbridge Gerry (Massachusetts) declined to sign. Each states was then given six months to convene and vote on the proposed Constitution. During these six months, there was much public debate. People in favor of the Constitution were called Federalists while those opposed were called Anti-Federalists." James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote a series of articles in favor of the Constitution that became known as The Federalist Papers. Some of these articles explained about the system of "checks and balances" in the Constitution wherein no one branch of government would have more power than the other two. These articles helped sway public opinion. The Constitution was finally ratified and became legal on June 21, 1788. The Order of Ratification
The Bill of Rights Because there was so much interest and debate regarding individual freedoms, a Bill of Rights became law on December 15, 1791. Twelve amendments were proposed but only 10 were passed. The Bill of Rights consisted of the Constitution’s first 10 amendments and included freedom of speech, religion, the press, peaceful assembly, and rights to jury trials. Amendments to the Constitution Since the original 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights as they are collectively known, 17 more amendments have been passed. The most recent, Amendment XXVII, was ratified May 2, 1992. Interestingly, it was originally proposed on September 25, 1789 and was one of the two that were not passed as part of the Bill of Rights. Amendment XXVII has to do with the compensation, or paying of a salary, to members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Other amendments have included:
Only one amendment, Amendment XVIII, ratified on January 6, 1919, prohibiting "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" was ever repealed. Amendment XXI, ratified on December 5, 1933, was the amendment that repealed Amendment XVIII.
Last updated:
January 30, 2007
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During the Revolutionary War, the 13
colonies united to free themselves from England’s rule. After they
won their freedom, they were glad they were no longer British, but they
were not ready to unite. The states were very different from each other;
however, they realized that in order to grow and prosper, they needed
the other states. So, delegates from each state got together and a plan
for unity was initially submitted to the Second Continental Congress
on July 12, 1776. After much debate, on November 15, 1777, the states
finally established a "firm league of friendship" that became
known as the Articles of Confederation. The Articles, however, did not
go into effect until March 1, 1781.
