In early 1787, representatives from seven states gathered in Independence Hall in Philadelphia for what would come to be known as the Constitutional Convention. The representatives had originally come together to revise the Articles of Confederation, but they quickly realized that a more substantial document would have to be created to best govern the new nation.
Now, to better understand why the Founders saw a need to do away with the Articles and write the Constitution, let’s briefly look at what the Articles did (which wasn’t much!)
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation were drafted by John Dickinson, but they were capable of little else than being a “friendly agreement” between the states to co-operate and work together. The document officially named the confederation of states as, “The United States of America” and assured each state that they would retain their, “…sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.”
Hmm…This language sounds familiar.
The Articles also set up a one-house Congress which had limited powers to make rules. It could not tax states, regulate commerce, or print money. Soon, squabbles arose between the states and several founding fathers feared for the new nation, since there was no real governing power to hold the states together.
Introducing the Constitutional Convention, a meeting that came about in an effort to save freedom. This time it was not a war of weapons, but a war of words, men deciding the fate of a nation, knowing that what they penned and wrote would impact generations.
I invite you to jump in a time machine with me and travel back to 1787 where the Constitutional Convention has shuttered the windows and solemnly sworn each other to secrecy in order to freely discuss all of their options. Tempers are high and angry words are being exchanged.
In the Room
Benjamin Franklin stood in the midst of the tense room and delivered a speech which was recorded by James Madison. Some of it is as follows, “In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. “Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered…And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that “except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.” I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel…
I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of the City be requested to officiate in that service.”
This speech so impacted the Convention that they continued on with more grace and a willingness to work together toward a common goal—crafting a document to govern the new nation.
The Constitutional Convention
It was mid-June of 1787 when the delegates realized that they needed to completely re-design the government in order to survive. Once the decision was made to build a new document, however, there was an immense amount of disagreement about what it should say and what form of government should be created by it. They knew they wanted a representative form of government, but what form it should take was highly debated. According to the National Archives one of the fiercest debates was about congressional representation and whether it should be decided by population or be a fixed, equal number. The answer ended up being both! The House of Representatives was filled according to population and the Senate represented the States equally. Brilliant!
Other issues discussed at great length were state vs. federal powers, how much power the office of president should have, commerce, and slavery. Each state had different interests, profitable forms of trade, and ideas of how much power was too much or too little. It led to heated debates that lasted through three sweltering summer months. Finally, they were ready to put their decisions down onto paper and formed a committee to do just that.
Edmund Randolph, an attorney and the seventh governor of Virginia, wrote a rough draft which the committee discussed. James Wilson revised it and then it was sent to have several copies printed for the delegates of the Convention to read over.
After five weeks of further discussion, another committee was created to draft the final version of the new Constitution. Gouverneur Morris was the main author and later came to be called the “penman of the Constitution.”
On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates signed the Constitution of the United States of America. It was a remarkable accomplishment, not only because of the vast difference in opinions and ideas brought to the table, or because of the deep thought and care that went into it. The most incredible thing about it is that it has lasted, proving that the principles it was founded upon are timeless and true.
Timeless and True
We live under the oldest surviving Constitution in the history of the world. However, we have to understand that it does not mean our Constitution is outdated or antiquated. Not at all! To the contrary, the principles that form the foundation of the Constitution remain true today. They still apply in our culture today. The biggest proof that they still work is that America has remained so free for so long because of an adherence to the Constitution.
Obviously, the founders knew that the Constitution was not entirely flawless, so they made a way for the states or Congress to carefully and thoughtfully make changes or edits as needed through the amendment process.
It is impossible to look throughout world history and not see the hand of God on our nation or the importance of freedom and truth in causing a nation to last. Just as every generation before us has fought, some more than others, to uphold the Constitution and freedom, now it is our turn to pass it on intact to the generations to follow.
Emma Sager
Emma Sager works as the Marketing Specialist at Patriot Academy. She graduated from Cedarville University with a degree in Communication. In a world that spends seconds on content before being caught up in the next new thing, she enjoys tackling the challenge of creatively telling stories that capture the reader’s attention and leave them pondering what they read or saw. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, art, playing violin, and spending time outdoors and with friends.
