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History of the Constitution of the United States: 234 Years Ago
History of the Constitution of the United States
On September 17, 1787, the US Constitution was created. Though it would take until
- June 21, 1788, to be ratified, and until
- March 4, 1789, to be effective,
In a very real sense, it was the founding document of the governmental system of the United States of America. Even to a greater extent than the Declaration of Independence, which was more of a “bill of divorcement” from England, the Constitution described how the United States would operate as a nation.
Purpose of the Constitution
The Philadelphia Convention, later called the Constitutional Convention, was called ostensibly to amend the Articles of Confederation that had been in effect between 1781–89. But that effort was not realistic. Alexander Hamilton had called these Articles “imbecilic.” The Articles gave little power to the central government and were too weak to regulate conflicts between the states.
The Confederation Congress could make decisions but lacked enforcement powers; it could print money but it was worthless, there was inconsistent taxation from the states to support the federal government. States could make their own trade agreements with other countries. It was America’s experiment with a limited democracy, but it was deemed unsatisfactory. Instead, the Constitution empowered a representative republic.
Rather than “fix” the Articles, delegates decided to create a new government at Convention held at the Pennsylvania State House. War of Independence General George Washington of Virginia was elected as president of the Convention. Foreshadowing?
Creation of the Constitution
The document was developed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by 55 delegates to a Constitutional Convention. But the creation of the Constitution was not without contention.
