I. Government during the Revolution

The state constitutions: PA most radical; SC & MD conservative; VA has Declaration of Rights

Articles of Confederation (ratified 1781) protect liberty by checking power of central gov’t.; unicameral legislature, no independent executive, no right to tax

II. Post-War Depression in the “Critical” Confederation Era

Demobilization problem

War created huge debt, inflation, shortage of specie (hard currency); also personal debts

Creditors demand payments, eventually seek stronger government

Farmers taxed on land must pay in specie

Annapolis Commercial Convention (Sept. 1786) calls for Constitutional Convention

Bankrupt farmers join Shays’ Rebellion in western Massachusetts (Jan. 1787)

III. Constitutional Convention (May-Sept. 1787)

An illegal proceeding?  Meets behind closed doors.

The Virginia Plan

How would upper house (Senate) be selected?  Executive?

How would “proportional” representation in House of Representatives be determined?

What about slaves and slave trade?

Ratification: No bill of rights included in original document

Post-War Inflation 1777-1780

Foreign Spheres of Influence 1783

[ Porter Home Page ]  [ Loudoun Campus Home Page ] [ NVCC Home Page ]