Why did they have the Constitutional Convention in the first place?
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The primary reason for convening the convention was to address the challenges and weaknesses of the existing Articles of Confederation, the initial framework for governance created during the American Revolution. The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, had several deficiencies that hampered the functioning of the national government and threatened the stability of the new nation.
Some key reasons for holding the Constitutional Convention were:
1. Weak central government: The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with limited powers, unable to levy taxes or regulate commerce effectively. This created difficulties in maintaining a stable economy and coordinating efforts between the states.
2. Financial problems: The national government faced significant financial difficulties due to its inability to levy taxes and raise revenue, leading to mounting public debt and economic instability.
3. Inadequate national defense: Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government lacked authority and resources to provide for the common defense of the nation effectively. This was particularly concerning following the challenges faced during the Revolutionary War.
4. Lack of unity and coordination: The states operated as separate entities with significant autonomy, often pursuing their own interests, resulting in inconsistent policies, trade disputes, and diplomatic challenges.
5. Need for a stronger framework: Many delegates felt that a more robust and centralized government was necessary to preserve order, protect individual rights, and address the flaws of the Articles of Confederation.
During the convention, the delegates debated and ultimately drafted a new constitution, which established a stronger federal government with separation of powers, a system of checks and balances, and mechanisms for addressing the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation. The resulting document, the United States Constitution, was subsequently ratified and replaced the Articles of Confederation, forming the basis of the American political system that continues to this day.