After the American Revolution ended, the new nation struggled to create a workable government. At first, the states were knit together only by a loose set of laws. When this central government proved too weak, representatives of 12 states gathered in 1787. They created a new framework for government: the Constitution of the United States.

During nearly four exhausting months of debate, the representatives hammered out a set of laws that would make the nation strong, yet protect the rights of the people. After fiery arguments in each state, the Constitution was finally approved. It lives on as the framework of our government today.

Additional Activities

• "Why Study History?" Activity: Have students use the Internet to discover the background of patriotic symbols. (See Teacher's Edition, page 207.)
  
  
• Check out the Student Internet Activities, which focus on the leaders of the Constitutional Convention and the National Archives and Records Administration.
  
  

Section 1: A Confederation of States

Section 2: The Constitutional Convention

Section 3: A More Perfect Union

Section 4: Ratifying the Constitution