Between 1777 and 1789, the colonies were governed under the ineffective Articles of Confederation. These articles were too attentive to the jealously independent states and too heedless of the need for national cohesion, and therefore failed to bind the country into a unified nation.
United only in name after successfully winning independence, the United States floundered under the Articles, unable to conduct an effective foreign policy, establish a stable currency, or maintain national credit. Farsighted leaders, indeed everyone of sense, saw disaster ahead if the national government were not strengthened and given effectual powers.
Two events in 1786 helped emphasize the need for remedial action. One was the Annapolis Convention, originally called to resolve navigational disputes between Maryland and Virginia. Five states gathered at that meeting, and the opportunity to achieve broader gains occurred to several of the delegates, especially James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.
The convention created the Annapolis petition, a document sent to Congress, calling for a Federal Convention to be held in Philadelphia in May of the following year. At first, the goal of the gathering was merely to revise the Articles of Confederation, but the Convention took on a life of its own, and the Federal Constitution of the United States resulted.
The second event of 1786 that impelled observant leaders to seek a stronger national government was Shays's Rebellion in Massachusetts. This nondescript but frightening tax revolt, although finally repressed with vigor by Governor James Bowdoin, showed the urgent need for reliable money and consistent laws, both dependent on a strong national government.
The start of the convention, set for Monday, May 14, had to be delayed. It was not until May 25 that a quorum - delegates from seven states - was present.
The first order of business was the election of officers. Aware that any competit...