Lesson Purpose
After the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Founders needed to create a new government for all the states of the new nation. They did this by creating our first constitution. It was called the Articles of Confederation.
Lesson Objectives
When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to
- describe the national government under the Articles of Confederation, and
- explain how the problems of the new government led the Founders to decide to write a new constitution.
Lesson Terms
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States. It was adopted in 1781 and replaced in 1788 by our present Constitution.
confederation
delegate
Northwest Ordinance
ordinance
Lesson Biographies
Washington, George (1732-1799 CE)
George Washington was born in Virginia in 1732. He grew up there on several plantations along the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. He was not particularly well educated, but did learn surveying. In 1753, he began his service to the country, which was to continue throughout his life, despite his desire to live a more private existence. Washington's efforts as commander of the Continental Army are well known. After the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, Washington returned to his home, Mount Vernon. Although he did not initially want to attend the Philadelphia Convention, his friends convinced him that his presence was necessary. He was elected president of the convention but spoke little. His presence and approval, however, were important. Nearly everyone assumed that Washington would be the first president of the United States, which, of course, he was, serving from 1789-1797.
Shays, Daniel (1747-1825 CE)
