A More Perfect Union Part I

A great time to be had by all (or most), I'm sure. Yet in reality, tough times were just beginning.

In 1781, the thirteen original colonies agreed to the Articles of Confederation.

It was a basic document serving as governing law for the young nation.

Under this document, there was an evident distrust of a powerful central government (a sentiment still evident across this land).

Twelve of the thirteen states ratified pretty quickly; but Maryland held out.

Why? They objected to western land claims of Connecticut, New York, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Massachusetts.

Maryland finally relented, and the Articles went into effect on March 1, 1781 - the same date that Maryland signed on.

Several of the national leaders (such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton) became a bit disgruntled about the Articles.

But there wasn't much that they could do; amendments required ratification by all thirteen colonies.

And that was so not gonna happen.

But, changes were bound to take place...

The time: May 25, 1787; the place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the mission: to accomplish the objects proposed by the institution; namely, "common defence, security of liberty and general welfare."

Better known as the Constitutional Convention.

Virginia's Edmund Randolph addressed the "defects" he saw in the work produced by those authors of the Articles of Confederation:

The confederation produced no security against foreign invasion.

The federal government couldn't check quarrels or rebellions between the states.

There were no means by which the states could attain advantages such as "productive impost."

The federal government couldn't defend itself against "incroachments from the states." Hummmmm.

So Mr. Randolph proposed that the Articles "be corrected and enlarged..."

In other words, ditch them and let's start all over.

And so it began...

The first order of business was to select a president.

None other than the Revolutionary War hero himself, Geo. Washington was proposed.

The name was seconded and he was ultimately chosen unanimously.

Mr. Washington was humbled and asked for his colleagues' indulgence at his inexperience (in matters such as these; not war).

Interestingly enough, George himself nominated Dr. Benjamin Franklin, but Dr. Ben was in bad health and so was the weather. So Dr. Ben stayed at home.

They were hot, they were tired but our forefathers worked hard to establish a blueprint for the success of this country.

Twelve states answered the call to come to Philly and fellowship at Independence Hall.

Rhode Island declined to send representatives because of the fear of the stripping of its power to tax imported supplies by neighboring states.

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