Welcome to Philadelphia.
America declared its independence from Great Britain here in 1776, but things have not gone smoothly since then. In important ways, the states are not acting united. If we don’t do something now, our new country may fall apart. We need your help.
Will you serve as a delegate in Philadelphia to the Constitutional Convention? Will you consider the opinions and proposed plans?
As you know, our country has been guided by the Articles of Confederation since 1781. Since we did not want to create a king, the framers designed our national government to be weaker and left considerable power in the hands of individual states.
While some people still support this framework, many think changes are needed. But which changes can we agree to? Others think we should create a brand new government, but what would that look like?
Before you travel to Philadelphia for these debates, it’s important to review what’s in the Articles of Confederation:
Each state maintains a level of independence. It is a league of 13 states working together.
There is a Congress of the Confederation that serves as a national legislature. Each state can have a delegation of two to seven members. Each delegate is chosen by the state legislature and cannot serve more than three years at a time. Each state gets one vote.
The Congress can create a national army in a time of war, negotiate treaties and appoint foreign ambassadors.
Congress may act as a court for disputes between the states.
Congress can ask for money from the states but cannot tax the states.
There is no national executive or national court system.
To pass any new law, nine states in the Congress must approve it.
Major Problems
The states refuse to work together
The states act like 13 countries rather than one nation
The states have differing interests
Things to Consider
Do we try to fix the Articles or create something brand new?
What would the new government look like?
The states vary in geographic size and population.
Will larger states, like Pennsylvania and Virginia, have more power?
Will smaller states, like New Hampshire, still have a voice?
Compromise at the Constitutional Convention Activity Visit the Capitol.pdf