Omar Bennett
The US Constitution has its roots in the desire for a league of friendship and a constitution for the 13 independent states after the American Revolution. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, drafted in 1777, was the first constitution of the United States, but it was deemed inadequate due to the lack of power given to the central government. The Constitutional Convention, held in 1787, aimed to amend these Articles, but instead, delegates proposed measures to replace them. The drafting of the new Constitution, known as its framing, was completed at this convention, with the document inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment. The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 articles written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton, provided crucial support for the ratification of the Constitution, exploring how the American government might operate under this new framework.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of drafting | May 25, 1787 to September 17, 1787 |
| Location of drafting | Independence Hall, Philadelphia |
| Delegates | Chosen by state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states (Rhode Island refused to send delegates) |
| Mandate | To amend the Articles of Confederation |
| Notable figures | John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Rutledge, Roger Sherman, George Washington, Robert Morris |
| Notable compromises | Connecticut Compromise or "Great Compromise", Three-Fifths Compromise |
| Related documents | The Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Magna Carta |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Federalist Papers
The essays were published anonymously, but astute observers correctly guessed the identities of the authors. After Hamilton's death in 1804, a list emerged claiming that he alone had written two-thirds of the essays. However, it is now believed that Madison wrote 29 of the essays and that John Jay, who served as the first chief justice of the Supreme Court, authored several as well.
Your Right to Access: Complaint Copies and You
You may want to see also
The Declaration of Independence
The drafting of the Declaration of Independence was completed at the First Continental Congress in 1774 and the Second Continental Congress from 1775 to 1781. The delegates to these congresses were largely chosen from the revolutionary committees of correspondence in various colonies, rather than through the colonial governments of the Thirteen Colonies. The Declaration of Independence was created by a committee appointed by the Second Continental Congress in mid-June 1777 and was adopted by the full Congress in mid-November of that same year.
How Magna Carta Influenced the French Constitution
You may want to see also
The Bill of Rights
The US Constitution was drafted at the Constitutional Convention, held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The drafting of the Constitution, also referred to as its "framing", was undertaken by delegates chosen by the state legislatures of 12 of the 13 original states; Rhode Island refused to send delegates.
The Constitution was established as a "league of friendship" and a constitution for the 13 sovereign and independent states after the Revolution. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was the first constitution of the United States, drafted by a committee appointed by the Second Continental Congress in mid-June 1777. However, it was considered inadequate by some, as the central government had little power to regulate commerce, tax, or set commercial policy.
The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 articles published by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton, also played a role in shaping the Bill of Rights. While the Federalist Papers were written in support of the ratification of the Constitution and argued against the inclusion of a bill of rights at the federal level, they explored how the American government might operate and the need for a strong national government. The debates and compromises that took place during the Constitutional Convention, such as the Connecticut Compromise or "Great Compromise", also informed the development of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution as a whole.
Trump's Call to End the US Constitution
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles gave limited power to the central government. While the Confederation Congress had some decision-making abilities, it lacked enforcement powers. Most decisions, including amendments to the Articles, required legislative approval by all 13 newly formed states. Despite these limitations, the Articles were based on Congressional authority.
The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government were explored in a series of 85 articles, now known as The Federalist Papers. They were written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton, and published anonymously to build support in New York for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Foundational Principles of the Constitution
You may want to see also
The Connecticut Compromise
The US Constitution was drafted at the Constitutional Convention, which assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise of 1787 or the Sherman Compromise, was an agreement reached during this convention. It defined the legislative structure and representation each state would have under the US Constitution.
The Compromise was proposed by Connecticut delegates Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth to resolve the dispute between small and large states over representation in the new federal government. It retained the bicameral legislature, with proportional representation of the states in the lower house or House of Representatives, and equal representation for each state in the upper house or Senate. Each state would have two members in the Senate, and all money bills would originate in the House.
Jefferson's Constitution Interpretation: Strict or Loose?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution is a document that outlines the country's system of government and the rights of its citizens.
The US Constitution was established as a "league of friendship" and a constitution for the 13 independent states after the American Revolution.
The US Constitution was influenced by the Magna Carta, which asserted the rights of citizens against the government, as well as the Declaration of Independence, which expressed the ideals on which the United States was founded.
The US Constitution was written by a committee known as the Committee of Detail, which included John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson. The final draft was inscribed by Jacob Shallus on parchment.
The Federalist Papers were a series of 85 articles written by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton in support of the ratification of the US Constitution. They explored how the American government might operate and built support for the Constitution in New York.
