Jonah Patel
In her book Who Wrote the U.S. Constitution?, Candice Ransom explores the creation of the U.S. Constitution during the summer of 1787. The book delves into the challenges faced by the young nation, the process of drafting and debating the document, and the significant turning point it marked in American history. With over 120 children's books to her name, Ransom provides an engaging and informative account of the Constitutional Convention, answering key questions about the founding of the U.S. government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Candice Ransom |
| Publication Date | 1 August 2010 |
| Genre | History Juvenile Nonfiction |
| Format | Ebook, Audiobook |
| Target Audience | Children, Intermediate Students |
| Number of Books Published by Author | More than 120, More than 150, More than 180 |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitutional Convention of 1787
The convention was attended by delegates from 12 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that refused to send representatives. Notable figures among the delegates included George Washington, who was elected as the president of the convention, James Madison of Virginia, and Alexander Hamilton of New York. Madison, who had arrived in Philadelphia 11 days early, played a significant role in shaping the convention's agenda. Before the convention, he had studied various forms of government and drafted a document titled "Vices of the Political System of the United States," which identified weaknesses in the American political system and proposed solutions. Madison advocated for a strong central government with enhanced powers, including compulsory taxation authority and the ability to regulate foreign and interstate commerce.
Through the course of the convention, the delegates created a model of government that incorporated a system of checks and balances. They divided federal authority among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, with the legislative branch retaining significant power, including the ratification of treaties. However, as the deliberations progressed, the executive branch, led by the president, acquired more authority, particularly in the realm of foreign relations.
The final version of the Constitution was produced by the Committee of Style in early September 1787 and was voted on by the delegates. It was signed by 39 of the 55 delegates on September 17, 1787, marking a significant step in the formation of the United States government. The Constitution came into effect in 1789 after the necessary number of state ratifications and has served as the foundation of the nation's governance ever since.
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The Articles of Confederation
The need for a declaration of independence was linked to the demands of international relations. On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution before the Continental Congress, urging them to declare independence and prepare a plan of confederation for the newly independent states. The Articles of Confederation established a central government, but it was weak and had limited powers. Each state retained considerable power, and the central government had insufficient authority to regulate commerce, tax, or set commercial policy.
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Creating a new system of government
In May 1787, men from across the United States assembled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This gathering occurred just eleven years after colonial leaders had declared independence from Great Britain in the same city. However, the young nation faced significant challenges. The US government was weak, and its foundational document, the Articles of Confederation, was ineffective.
Throughout that summer, state representatives and leaders engaged in intense debates, shouting matches, and the drafting and redrafting of articles. By September, their efforts culminated in the creation of a new document—the US Constitution. The 1787 Convention marked a pivotal moment in American history, ushering in a new system of government.
Candice Ransom's book, "Who Wrote the U.S. Constitution?" delves into the intricacies of this pivotal event in American history. It explores the challenges faced by the fledgling nation and the innovative solutions that emerged. With over 120 books for children to her name, Ransom is adept at making complex historical content accessible and engaging for younger audiences.
The book guides readers through the contentious issues, the compromises made, and the collaborative efforts that ultimately shaped the US Constitution. It provides valuable insights into the art of negotiation, consensus-building, and the resolution of disagreements in the pursuit of a unified vision.
"Who Wrote the U.S. Constitution?" is part of the "Six Questions of American History" series. It is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of pivotal events in American history, such as the creation of the US Constitution and the establishment of a new system of government.
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The writing of the Constitution
In May 1787, men from across the United States gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was just eleven years after colonial leaders had declared their independence from Great Britain in the same city. However, the young country was in trouble. The US government was weak, and its guiding document, the Articles of Confederation, was failing.
Throughout that summer, state representatives and leaders argued, shouted, and wrote and rewrote articles. By September, they had produced a new document: the US Constitution. The 1787 Convention became a turning point in American history.
Candice Ransom's book, 'Who Wrote the US Constitution?', explores these events and asks: what were the new country's problems? Who came up with the solutions? How did the states work out disagreements to create a new system of government? The book is part of the Six Questions of American History series, aimed at intermediate students to help them understand content usually taught at the middle school level. It is engaging and interesting to young learners.
Ransom is the author of more than 120 books for children, moving between writing board books, picture books, easy readers, chapter books, middle-grade novels, nonfiction, and biography.
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The turning point in American history
In May 1787, eleven years after declaring independence from Great Britain, the United States was in trouble. The government was weak, and the Articles of Confederation, its guiding document, was failing. This set the stage for a pivotal moment in American history.
State representatives and leaders from across the country gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the summer of 1787. They argued, shouted, and rewrote articles to address the young country's problems and create a new system of government. By September, they had produced a new document: the U.S. Constitution.
The 1787 Convention marked a turning point in American history. It was a significant shift from the Articles of Confederation, which had guided the country since its independence but had proven inadequate for the challenges of the time. The new Constitution established a stronger federal government and addressed the issues facing the young nation.
The process of writing and adopting the Constitution was not without its challenges. The state representatives and leaders had to work through many disagreements and find compromises to create a unified document that all parties could agree on. This involved navigating differing interests and priorities among the states and finding a balance between state and federal powers.
The 1787 Convention and the creation of the U.S. Constitution set a new course for the country, solidifying its independence and providing a framework for governance that has endured and been built upon for centuries. It demonstrated the power of collaboration and compromise in nation-building and ensured that the United States could move forward as a united front, ready to tackle the challenges of the future with a stronger foundation.
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Frequently asked questions
The book covers the Constitutional Convention of 1787, when state representatives and leaders debated and wrote what would become the U.S. Constitution.
Candice Ransom, who has published more than 120 books for children.
You can find this book on Amazon, Abebooks, Google Books, and Overdrive.
