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Contributor: Kathi Thomas. Lesson ID: 10728
Do you think your chores are tough? Imagine what it was like to create a new country! Settle back for an informative video and some good articles to help you party and celebrate the U.S. Constitution!
When the first state delegates met in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, they had no idea the task before them would take an entire summer to complete! Nor did they realize the heat of the summer sun would barely compare to the heated debate before them regarding the establishment of a better system of government. The Articles of Confederation were out, but would they ever be able to agree on how to govern this fledgling nation?
Thankfully, yes!
It was a long and complex process, but finally the United States Constitution was established on September 17, 1787.
How did the delegates finally arrive at a plan all could agree was a sound and solid one, balancing the powers of the federal government and state governments, and ensuring the rights of individual people? Well, it all began with looking at the lessons learned from America’s first attempt, initiated after the nation had achieved independence: The Articles of Confederation.
Use this link to read all about the Constitutional Convention held from May through September of 1787: A More Perfect Union: The Creation of the U.S. Constitution (Archives.gov).
The website should have given you a pretty thorough overview of the process and challenges faced in drafting the new Constitution, as well as an overview of some of the prominent historical figures involved.
Take a few minutes to write a short summary of what you read. As you write your summary, be sure to identify the key arguments that needed to be resolved by those in attendance. How were they addressed?
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