The creation of the U.S. Constitution by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 has often been called a "miracle." During that hot summer in Philadelphia, these men debated, argued, and compromised, eventually crafting what is now the oldest written constitution still in use.
From 1781 to 1789, the colonies ruled by a set of agreements called the "Articles of Confederation". There were many flaws in these agreements among the thirteen states. Each state acted as an independent nation able to coin its own money, impose tariffs on other states, and establish trade with foreign governments. The federal government had little power; only that which was granted them by the states. In 1787, representatives of twelve of the thirteen states came together to revise these articles. What it turned out to be was much more than a simple revision.
In Miracle at Philadelphia, Catherine Drinker Bowen tells the story of the stormy, brilliant session of 1787 in Philadelphia that saw the birth of the Constitution of the United States. Looked at straight from the records, the Federal Convention is startlingly fresh and new, and Bowen evokes it as if the listener were actually there, mingling with the delegates, hearing their arguments, witnessing a dramatic moment in history.
United only in name after successfully winning independence, between 1777 and 1789, the United States floundered under the Articles, unable to conduct an effective foreign policy, establish a stable currency, or maintain national credit.
The country was governed under the ineffective Articles of Confederation and was too attentive to the jealously independent states and too heedless of the need for national cohesion. In short, the Articles failed to bind the country into a unified nation.
Farsighted leaders, indeed everyone of sense, saw disaster ahead if the national government were not strengthened and given effectual powers. Two events in 1786 ...