7.4 - Development of the Constitution
From EngageNY
The newly independent states faced political and economic struggles under the Articles of Confederation. These challenges resulted in a Constitutional Convention, a debate over ratification, and the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights.7.4a Throughout the American Revolution, the colonies struggled to address their differing social, political, and economic interests and to establish unity. The Articles of Confederation created a form of government that loosely united the states, but allowed states to maintain a large degree of sovereignty.
7.4b The lack of a strong central government under the Articles of Confederation presented numerous challenges. A convention was held to revise the Articles, the result of which was the Constitution. The Constitution established a democratic republic with a stronger central government.
- Students will investigate the successes and failures of the Articles of Confederation, determine why many felt a new plan of government was needed, and explain how the United States Constitution attempted to address the weaknesses of the Articles.
- Students will examine the New York State Constitution, its main ideas and provisions, and its influence on the formation of the United States Constitution.
- Students will examine from multiple perspectives arguments regarding the balance of power between the federal and state governments, the power of government, and the rights of individuals.
- Students will examine how key issues were resolved during the Constitutional Convention, including:
• state representation in Congress (Great Compromise or bicameral legislature)
• the balance of power between the federal and state governments (establishment of the system of federalism)
• the prevention of parts of government becoming too powerful (the establishment of the three branches)
• the counting of the enslaved African American community for purposes of congressional representation and taxation (the Three-Fifths Compromise)
- Students will examine the role of New York State residents Alexander Hamilton and John Jay as leading advocates for the new Constitution.
Supporting Materials
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The Colony of PennsylvaniaThis volume invites readers to step back in time to colonial Pennsylvania, in whose storied history we can find the origins of the United States. This comprehensive look at Pennsylvania's colonial era covers its Quaker origins, early industry, its unique social and religious climate, and the... |
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The Colony of VirginiaThis volume introduces readers to the beginnings of colonial Virginia, which was home to the first successful British settlement in North America. The narrative begins with the hardships and eventual success of the Jamestown settlement. Readers will learn about the crop that saved the colony,... |
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The Declaration of Independence and the Continental CongressWhat is the Declaration of Independence and why is it so important to the United States? Readers will learn about the events that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the effect it had on life at the time, and why it is one of our country's most cherished symbols of liberty.... |
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The United States Constitution and the Bill of RightsThe Law of the Land |
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Thomas Paine and the Power of "Common Sense"British-born Thomas Paine came to Philadelphia in 1774. Inspired by the colonists' cries for liberty, Paine captured his own political philosophy and ideals for freedom in a revolutionary pamphlet called Common Sense. This richly illustrated and beautifully designed interactive eBook features... |
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U.S. Constitution, Vol. 1: The Seeds of the Constitution; Founding the ConstitutionThis 8-part series explores how The U.S. Constitution came to be. Program 1: The Seeds of the Constitution1619 Virginia Colonists Create the First Legislative Assembly1733 Parliament Restricts Free Trade Through the Molasses Act1735 The Peter Zenger Trial Lays the Seed for Freedom... |
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U.S. Constitution, Vol. 2: Writing the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; Testing the ConstitutionThis 8-part series explores how The U.S. Constitution came to be. |
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