Early in the American Revolution, the states began writing new constitutions, which helped establish many principles of American government. Americans knew that they needed a central government to lead the war effort, and Congress wrote the Articles of Confederation. But the government created under the Articles of Confederation had weaknesses. When a rebellion broke out, some leaders feared that the nation would be torn apart. They called for a meeting to discuss changes to the Articles government. The Constitutional Convention wrote an entire new plan of government, creating a much stronger central government. Some Americans opposed this plan, but in the end the Constitution was ratified.
Section 1 Political ideas and major events shape how people form governments. When the Americans colonies broke their political ties with Great Britain, they faced the task of forming independent governments at both the state and national levels. Essential Question: Why is it important what kind of government we live under?
Section 2A constitution reflects the values and goals of a society that creates it. The new Constitution corrected the weaknesses of government under the Articles of Confederation. Essential Question: How does a constitution reflect the values and goals of the society that creates it?
Section 3Political ideas and major events shape how people form governments. The United States system of government rests on the Constitution. Essential Question: What ideas and goals are addressed in the U.S. Constitution?