The first government of the United States was formed in 1781 under The Articles of Confederation after the 13 colonies won independence from England, but the colonies were a hodgepodge of disparate interests. Each state had the power to collect
The first government of the United States was formed in 1781 under The Articles of Confederation after the 13 colonies won independence from England, but the colonies were a hodgepodge of disparate interests. Each state had the power to collect taxes, issue currency and raise a militia, but there was no mechanism to compel the states to honor national obligations. There were huge debts after the Revolutionary War and no way to pay them.
Though based on the principles fought for in the American Revolution, The Articles formed a weak centralized government and contained flaws. There were disputes over borders. There were no executive or judicial branches and there was great fear after gaining freedom from England that any central government would be like going from the frying pan to the kettle. States were adamant in protecting their individuality but were asked to enter into this agreement (The Articles) for “their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare.”
Over time, however, the lack of a strong central government with no power to tax, no ability to regulate interstate commerce, and 13 colonies operating somewhat like individual countries, it became more and more evident that a stronger central (federal) government was needed in order to remain stable and to unite the states, giving rise to the U.S. Constitution.
During the Constitutional Convention issues hammered out by the delegates (who became known as the “Framers”) in Philadelphia in 1787 addressed the defects of the Articles by establishing a system of government where the federal government was supreme. There were 55 delegates from all states expect Rhode Island, which basically boycotted the convention fearing too much interfering from an over-powerful federal government would cut into their economic business. After all, hadn’t the American colonies recently won independence from the overbearing King George of England?
George Washington was elected to preside over the convention. The meetings where the haggling, arguments and debates took place were held in secret so as to avoid outside pressures. However detailed notes and accounts were kept during the entire process. James Madison, though not the secretary of the convention, kept journals and collected speeches made by other delegates making numerous insertions and deletions from other accounts of the proceedings. Today Madison’s notes remain the most thorough account of the debates and deliberations and have became valuable historical documents.
Many people during the ratification process opposed the Constitution for the same reason Rhode Island boycotted the convention, fear that federal officials would abuse the powers being granted under the Constitution. The Constitution may likely never have been adopted were it not for the promise of the Bill of Rights for the very purpose of protecting the rights of the individual and limiting the power of the federal government.
Mikie Kerr is the founder of a volunteer group which distributes free pocket Constitutions by partnering with small businesses on the island who make them available to their customers and clients. She lives in Waikoloa and writes a monthly column for West Hawaii Today.
