Washington

• Weak National Government


  Confederation of states with minimal central authority
• Nature and Structure of Government

  • Congress lacked a permanent capital, moving from place to place
  • Delegates often did not attend sessions regularly, hindering legislative effectiveness
  • Three executive departments established in 1781 but struggled with limited powers
• State Sovereignty and Compliance

  States prioritized their own governance over national unity<|>States expected to provide funds and resources to the national government, but compliance was inconsistent and often delayed<|>Many politicians preferred state-level positions over national Congress
• Legislative Weakness


  Most significant decisions affecting citizens were made at the state level<|>Congress had limited powers and struggled to enforce its resolutions and policies
• Land Acquisition


  1. Treaty of Paris (1783) expanded American territory

  2. Population growth and settlement in western territories
• Policy and Territorial Governance

  1. Congress realized the necessity of integrating western territories into the Union

  2. 1785 Land Ordinance established a system for surveying and selling northwest land

  3. 1787 Northwest Ordinance outlined governance structure for territories
• Weakness in Foreign Affairs

  • Inability to enforce treaties and policies
  • Britain retained frontier posts despite Treaty of Paris
  • Spain opposed American westward expansion and controlled the Mississippi River
• Economic Difficulties


  1. Post-war challenges, trade deficit, debt and specie flow issues

  2. State control over commerce weakened national bargaining position

  3. Positive developments: population growth, western expansion, new markets, gradual dismantling of interstate trade barriers
• Robert Morris


  English-born merchant, Superintendent of Finance 1781-1784, worked to stabilize the economy but faced frustration due to the weak Articles of Confederation, later declared bankruptcy
• Strengths of the Articles of Confederation

  • Unified action for independence
  • Western land policies
  • Interstate cooperation
• Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

  • Lack of central authority
  • Economic instability
  • Foreign policy ineffectiveness
  • State dominance
• Perceived failures under the Articles

  Led to the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of a new Constitution
• National Debt Overview


  Magnitude of debt in 1783, interest payments burden
• Challenges with Soldiers' Pay

  1. Newburgh Conspiracy

  2. Philadelphia Mutiny
• Robert Morris's Role


  Wealthy merchant, Superintendent of Finance, used personal funds, proposed national bank and control of public debt
• Continued financial instability


  Requisitions and compliance issues, limited revenue
• State-Level Issues


  • Heavy taxation
  • Paper currency debate
• Economic and Social Disturbances

  Widespread unrest, Shays' Rebellion
• Dissatisfaction with the Articles

  Led to calls for constitutional reform
• Steps to Constitutional Reform

  1. Mount Vernon Conference

  2. Annapolis Convention

  3. Philadelphia Convention
• Views on Constitutional Reform


  • Nationalism and conservative views
  • Support for the Articles
  • Interstate harmony and disharmony
• The Confederation era was marked by severe financial challenges, social unrest, and ineffective governance
• Recognition of the Articles' weaknesses

  Led to the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of a new Constitution
• The resulting Constitution aimed to address the flaws of the Confederation and establish a framework for a stable and prosperous United States
• A strong central government might replicate British tyranny
• Tariff and Boundary Disputes


  1. Sectional tensions over tariffs and state interests persisted

  2. Need for a stronger central authority to mediate and unify policies
• Robert Morris's efforts to stabilize the economy highlighted the limitations of the Articles of Confederation
• The widespread recognition of these weaknesses, coupled with events like Shays' Rebellion, led to the Constitutional Convention, where foundational changes were made to create a more robust and cohesive national government
• Constitutional Convention scheduled to start


  May 17, 1787
• Initial attendees: Pennsylvania and Virginia delegations
• Delays: Poor weather, poor roads
• Key Virginia delegates


  • George Washington: Provided credibility
  • James Madison: Significant influence, came prepared with a plan
• Madison's Preparations


  1. Memorandum: "The Vices of the Political System of the United States" (April 1787)

  2. Advocated for: Strong national republic, centralized government

  3. Distributed memorandum among delegates

  4. Ready to dominate the opening stages of the Convention
• By May 25: 29 delegates from 7 states arrived
• Over the next weeks: Additional 26 delegates
• Total delegates: 55 from all states except Rhode Island
• Delegate Experience


  • All held public office
  • 42 served in Continental or Confederation Congresses
  • 3 current and 4 former state governors
  • 20 helped draft state constitutions
• Delegate Demographics


  • Average age: 42
  • 30 fought in War of Independence
  • 34 had legal training
  • 26 were college graduates
  • 19 were slave owners
• Absent groups: No women, black people, Native Americans, poor people, small farmers, artisans, westerners
• General agreement: Need for stronger central government