The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constit... by Founding Fathers

The “Virginia Plan” had been drafted by fellow delegate, James Madison. When the delegates of the Federal Convention met in the Pennsylvania state house (now Independence Hall) in May 1787, Edmund Randolph of Virginia offered the most comprehensive plan, essentially bypassing revisions and suggesting an entirely new government. Forty of the 55 attendees had served in the Continental and/or Confederation Congresses at some point in their careers. Out of those appointees, only 55 attended. After the Continental Congress decided to act on the problem, 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island abstained) chose 70 delegates to represent them at the Federal Convention. The central government also could not manage the western territories in an effective manner. The Articles protected the sovereignty of the states at the expense of the central government, which lacked the power to raise revenue or conduct diplomatic relations. The Articles’ failure to empower the central government to carry out essential functions was their primary weakness. appointed by the several states be held at Philadelphia for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.” 1 On February 21, 1787, the Congress resolved that “a convention of delegates.

Six years after the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, which established the first national government, a majority of Delegates to Congress agreed that the Articles needed significant revisions. One of the legacies of the Continental and Confederation Congresses was the convening of the Federal Convention of 1787.

JanuThe Continental Congress’s Ratification of the “Treaty of Paris”

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constit... by Founding Fathers