A Relevant History Lesson For All

From:

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/documen...ackground.html

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 the other states.

A stronger central administration was needed if the nation was going to survive.

Many of the delegates were outraged at the word "national," not wanting the states to lose power. There was also debate between small states and large states about representation in the national government. Individual rights over state rights were also debated, as was the head of government. In the end, most of the Virginia Plan was used; however, it would take a "Great Compromise."

From:

http://www.leftjustified.org/leftjust/lib/sc/ht/const/

During the course of the war the Continental Armies had nearly collapsed, mutinied, or starved, due to lack of coordination and various jalousies between the colonies.

What was to prevent a state with the massive wealth of New York, or one with the overwhelming shipping power of Massachusetts, from going its own way—the other colonies be damned?

From:

http://www.federalist.com/histdocs/histconst.htm

The determined Madison had for several years insatiably studied history and political theory searching for a solution to the political and economic dilemmas he saw plaguing America. The Virginian's labors convinced him of the futility and weakness of confederacies of independent states.

This nationalist position revolted many delegates who cringed at the vision of a central government swallowing state sovereignty.

By July 10 George Washington was so frustrated over the deadlock that he bemoaned "having had any agency" in the proceedings and called the opponents of a strong central government "narrow minded politicians . . . under the influence of local views."

The Marylander leaped eagerly into the battle on the representation issue declaring, "The States have a right to an equality of representation. This is secured to us by our present articles of confederation; we are in possession of this privilege."

In the following week the members finally compromised,

With this compromise and with the growing realization that such compromise was necessary to avoid a complete breakdown of the convention, the members then approved Senate equality.

On August 31 a weary George Mason, who had 3 months earlier written so expectantly to his son about the "great Business now before us," bitterly exclaimed that he "would sooner chop off his right hand than put it to the Constitution as it now stands." Mason despaired that the convention was rushing to saddle the country with an ill-advised, potentially ruinous central authority He was concerned that a "bill of rights," ensuring individual liberties, had not been made part of the Constitution.

Appealing for unity behind the Constitution, Franklin declared, "I think it will astonish our enemies, who are waiting with confidence to hear that our councils are confounded like those of the builders of Babel; and that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats."

[Trevor Angelus]

How delightfully appropriate!

[ojai22]

OMG! This is so good and so true! That last paragraph brought tears to my eyes....