Why We Needed a Constitution

Mission Brief #65

🎯 Your mission

Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.

⚡ The twist

Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.

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In the years after the American Revolution, the thirteen states faced many challenges. Without a strong central government, states acted like individual countries, which led to confusion and disorder. Trade disputes, differing currencies, and lack of a united defense made it clear that a new system was necessary.

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This is why the Founding Fathers believed a Constitution was essential: to create a framework for a strong, organized government that could address these issues and protect the rights of its citizens.

Key facts

Remember these

1The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt at a national government but were ineffective.
2Many leaders, like George Washington and James Madison, advocated for a new Constitution.
3A strong Constitution would help unify the states and improve governance.

Timeline

When it happened

1781
The Articles of Confederation create a weak national government
1786
Shays' Rebellion breaks out in Massachusetts
1786
The Annapolis Convention calls for a meeting to fix the Articles
1787
Delegates write a new Constitution

Then & Now

🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.

Mind = blown

Benjamin Franklin, 81, was the oldest delegate at the Constitutional Convention.

Question 1 of 2

What was one reason the Founding Fathers believed a Constitution was necessary?

How sure?😐 maybe

Question 2 of 2

What problems arose from the lack of a strong central government after the American Revolution?

How sure?😐 maybe

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You got 0 of 2 right.

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👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”

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