blocked its path. Rid in several parts of Soldiers and office: depreciated paper m in bad financial strai ored for assistance. states quarrelled with The fires of section and antagonism, whic tofore been kept un through the stress o that it was over, burst In despair, Washingt the situation: "We a nation to-day and th

Many Defect

The Government, at and during the latter y war, consisted of a C Congress made up of from the Original States. This Congress under the provisions c ticles of Confederatic constitution, adopted o ber 15th, 1777. Unc Articles, in spite of th defects, the States ma stick together in th struggle against the country.

But for peace purp Articles of Confederatic impossible. The Contine gress had little power. no power to collect tax Government did not ha ecutive head-a Presid delegates were paid thei by individual states. T elected for one year on gress lacked power, wa to carry out its decisi soon fell into disrepute. This has been called cal period of American critical because the forc

arts of the country. dofficers, paid in paper money, were ial straits and clamistance. Individual led with each other. sectional jealousy sm, which had here. kept under control stress of war, now er, burst into flame. Washington said of "We act like one and thirteen to

eace purposes the
onfederation proved
The Continental Con-
tle power. It had
collect taxes. The
did not have an ex-
-a President. The
re paid their salaries
Istates. They were
ne year only. Con-
power, was unable
its decisions, and

o disrepute.

een called the criti-
F American history;
use the forces of dis-
d to be getting the
America needed a

strong national state to bring law, order and union out of the existing chaos.

Discouragements at First George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, and others, realized the danger. They urged that action be taken. Virginia, at their suggestion, sent an invitation to the other states to meet with her to discuss the situation. Only five states responded. The delegates met at Annapolis in 1786, but little was done.

Although very much discouraged and disappointed at the meager results, these leaders persisted in their efforts. Through their influence the Continental Congress then called a Constitutional Convention, made up of delegates representing the states. This Convention met in Philadelphia on May 25th, 1787.

The delegates to this Constitutional Convention were men experienced in public affairs, trained in law and practical politics, and well read. Many had been active in state government and had already held high executive or judicial positions. George Washington was elected Chairman of this Convention and presided over its meetings.

Birth of the Constitution The Convention faced many problems, but the fundamental one was to create and to organize a National Union, and to do this in spite of the jarring jealousies between individual states, and their general fears of a strong central government.

Many views regarding the form which the new government should take presented.

were

But it was necessary Constitution approved by the Constitutional Convention, and, state ratify the work of the Delegates. months of debate all this was done. owes much to THESE FOUR MEN and the o who were chiefly responsible for this great ach ment. (1) George Washington. (2) James M.

(2)

Am

go

Its Adoption by the Adoption by the tional Convention, how not put the new into actual actual operation of the thirteen states, a to the agreement of t gates, had first to ra work of the Constitutio vention. The proposed tion was submitted to of state conventions ma special delegates.

A hot campaign f Many arguments were against the adoption of Constitution. Many ev so far as to denounce it. ington, Franklin, H Madison, Jay, Morris, other leaders of the da firm and urged its accep

The First Preside This final fight was wo The Constitution was ra the required number of The new government w On the 30th of Apri George Washington to oath of office as the firs dent of the United St America, on the balcony eral Hall, which stood at