Articles Of Confederation Research Paper

The Articles of Confederation is the first American written governing document that established the functions of the national government of the United States. The United States wanted to create a more perfect union, so they established the US Constitution that created fundamental laws and rights for its citizens. The Constitution creates a division of powers, meaning it assigns certain powers to the National Government and saves the remaining powers for the other states.
The Constitutional Convention was held on May 25, 1787 in the House of Philadelphia, which is also known as Independence Hall. (history.com. History.com Staff. “The U.S. Constitution.” History.com, A&E) 70 out of the 55 delegates who were appointed by the original states to

Meanwhile, most of the delegates were in their 30s and 40s. Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Lay, Thomas Jefferson, and more did not attend the Convention because they were either busy with other events or did not agree with the plan to change the government.
The Convention wanted to peacefully overthrow the new American government. This process began with James Madison’s Virginia Plan which was presented to the Convention by Virginia’s governor. In Madison’s plan, it went over representation of both houses depending on population in each of the states. The plan resembled Britain’s parliament and omitted the discussion of taxation or regulation of trade which have been set aside in the favor of fighting for a new and stronger form of government.
The Constitutional Convention was necessary because the Articles of Confederation was weak and states were operating independently. George Washington called for delegates to meet in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787. Because there were only few delegates present, the Constitutional Convention was moved to May 25, 1787. George Washington was voted to be in the position of authority during the Constitutional Convention. (History.com. “Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia.” History.com, A&E Television

(Bill of Rights Institute). The amendments were established to help strengthen the Constitution. The Constitution is proposed by Congress by a ⅔ vote in each house which is either ratified by ¾ of the State legislatures or ratified by conventions in ¾ of the States. Another way to amend the Constitution is the Constitution is proposed at a national convention called by Congress when requested by ⅔ of the State legislatures which is ratified by ¾ of the State legislatures or ratified by conventions in ¾ of the states (Crouse, 13). The 19th Amendment (1920) was a big deal at the time because this amendment gave women the right to vote (Crouse, 14). The 26th Amendment (1971) allowed people at the age of 18 to vote (Crouse, 15).
If it weren’t for the 27 Amendments being developed, the world would have been a different place with different presidents, laws, etc. Maybe equality wouldn’t have been reached if it weren’t for the 19th Amendment. We have the first amendment to thank for our freedom to say what is on our mind, to have the practice of our religion be feasible, and the freedom to protest, and in my opinion, that’s the greatest thing a person could be able to