UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION

Our Fundamental Law

After the Revolution, the new nation was governed under the Articles of Confederation. This, however, proved to have too many problems, caused greatly by a very weak national government that threatened the future and very existence of the country. In 1787, delegates met in Philadelphia to discuss changes to that document, but decided a new kind of government was necessary.

From May 25 to September 17, the delagates discussed various proposals, many of which had been developed before this convention. The most serious complication was the question of representation. Would each state get the same representation, or would they be chosen by population? This question threatened to halt the proceedings until the Connecticut Compromise was agreed to. Under this, there are two houses, one elected by population and one where each state is equal regardless of size.

By September 8, the basic document was agreed upon. Then a committee, led by Pennsylvania's Gouverneur Morris, met to write the document in a proper style. The document was finally agreed to on September 17. The ratification process was helped when it was agreed to add a "Bill of Rights" to ensure the protection of the individual's rights.

The United States Constitution is the world's oldest constitution still in effect. Perhaps this is due in part to the fact that it is not meant to spell out many specifics, allowing laws to be passed based on the issues and ideas of each generation.