During the Revolutionary War, the 13 colonies united to free themselves from England’s rule. After they won their freedom, they were glad they were no longer British, but they were not ready to unite. The states were very different from each other; however, they realized that in order to grow and prosper, they needed each other. Delegates from each state gathered together and created a plan for unity that was submitted to the Second Continental Congress on July 12, 1776. After much debate, on November 15, 1777, the states finally established a "firm league of friendship" that became known as the Articles of Confederation. The Articles, however, did not go into effect until March 1, 1781.
Under the Articles of Confederation, each state remained independent, with a single vote, and there was no real power behind the central government. Within 2 years, it became obvious that the Articles of Confederation was weak, so It was decided that the states should get together and fix the Articles and unite the states as one nation. The constitution was created and presented to all the states. Each state was given six months to convene and vote on the proposal of the constitution.
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote a series of articles in favor of the Constitution that became known as The Federalist Papers. Some of these articles explained about the system of "checks and balances" in the Constitution wherein no one branch of government would have more power than the other two. These articles helped sway public opinion. The Constitution was finally ratified and became legal on June 21, 1788.
Under the Articles of Confederation, each state remained independent, with a single vote, and there was no real power behind the central government. Within 2 years, it became obvious that the Articles of Confederation was weak, so It was decided that the states should get together and fix the Articles and unite the states as one nation. The constitution was created and presented to all the states. Each state was given six months to convene and vote on the proposal of the constitution.
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote a series of articles in favor of the Constitution that became known as The Federalist Papers. Some of these articles explained about the system of "checks and balances" in the Constitution wherein no one branch of government would have more power than the other two. These articles helped sway public opinion. The Constitution was finally ratified and became legal on June 21, 1788.