The state delegates met in 1787 to imagine a new constitution for their country. For 6 years, the American territory was organized under the articles of confederation. These articles gave all powers to states that could follow their laws. But, the national congress could not intervene. This policy had been put in place because the citizens of the United States had a great need for freedom after being dominated for years by the British kings.
They thought that strong central power was not needed and that states would naturally want to work together. However, this prediction was false. The articles of the confederation did not work very long and conflicts between the states developed. The problems were mainly economic because the states did not all want to give money to congress. Since this institution had almost no power, it could not negotiate with other countries which weakened the position of the United States in the world. Finally, serious social problems erupt within the states, because of the devaluation of the dollar and the debt to be paid after the war against Great Britain. It made the governments had no money for their people.
The debates in 1787 were long and complicated because of all about what powers to give to congress. But in the end, the supporters of a strong institution above the states were a majority, and an innovative democratic system emerged in North America.
Subject: History
Chapter: The birth of the United States of America
Keywords: the articles of confederation, the US Constitution, the constitutional convention of 1787, the political system in the United States
The State delegates met in 1787 so as to institute another constitution, established through the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
Further Explanations:
The first constitution of the US was not much effective and many modifications were required to be done. The articles constituted in the confederation were authorizing much power to the State government as compared to the central government. This was becoming a vital reason behind the encounter amid the States. If a law was implemented in the nation then, in this case, each state were having different views regarding the implementation of the law.
So to solve this issue a meeting was held by the delegates of various states in the Pennsylvania State House of Philadelphia in 1787 to bring out modification in the constitution through Constitutional Convention.The articles written in the “Constitutional convention” of 1787 reflected the need for a strong national government. The freshly drafted Constitution gave legality to a new state by declaring them sovereign. It provided national identity to the citizens of the new American States. The government organized on the principles of the Confederation laid importance on maintaining provincial autonomy.
Learn More
Answer Details:
Grade: High school
Subject: US History
Chapter: Article of Confederation
Keywords:
Article of Confederation, Constitutional Convention, United States, Sovereignty, Independence, principles of a Confederation, regional autonomy, legality,Pennsylvania, State House of Philadelphia,
