The Making of the U.S. Constitution
In the summer of 1787, a group of delegates gathered in Philadelphia to solve a problem: the United States had won its independence, but its government was struggling to hold the young nation together. Their debates would produce the U.S. Constitution, the plan of government still used today.
A Government With Problems
During the Revolutionary War, the states created a national government under a set of rules called the Articles of Confederation. The Articles left most power with the states. The national government could make decisions about war and negotiate with other countries, but it could not collect taxes directly. It had to ask the states for money, and they did not always provide it.
Congress also lacked the power to regulate trade among the states. States could set their own trade rules, making business difficult across state lines. Many Americans feared that the national government was too weak to handle the country’s problems. Others worried that a stronger national government might threaten the freedom they had fought to gain.
Meeting in Philadelphia
In May 1787, delegates from the states began meeting at the Pennsylvania State House, now called Independence Hall. Rhode Island did not send delegates. The group chose George Washington to lead the meetings. James Madison took detailed notes, which help us understand the debates today.
- delegates:
- People chosen to represent others at a meeting.
- regulate:
- To control an activity by making rules for it.
- revise:
- To change something to improve it.
- representation:
- Having people speak or make decisions on behalf of a group.
- Compromise:
- An agreement reached when people accept parts of different ideas.
- injustice:
- Unfair treatment or a lack of fairness.
- amendments:
- Official changes or additions to a document or law.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why did many Americans think the government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak?
- 2Why did some Americans worry about creating a stronger national government?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“The Making of the U.S. Constitution” is a informational reading passage about U.S. Constitution, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (616 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.