A Changing World

​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.

Study Guide

The Articles of Confederation

​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?

Convention and Compromise

​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?

A New Plan of Government

​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?

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