Constitution Week spotlight

The Constitution wasn’t the first document to govern the original 13 states. Colonists had been living under British rule for well over 150 years before demands from the monarchy led to the Declaration of Independence. A war was fought and won. After much debate, the Articles of Confederation was approved by the Second Continental Congress on Nov. 15, 1777, and became effective after it was ratified by all 13 states on March 1, 1781.

What resulted was a loose friendship among the original 13 states with a weak central government. In time, it became apparent that restrictions placed on the central government made it ineffective.

What came to be known as the Constitutional Convention convened in Philadelphia from May 14 to Sep. 17, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation. Many delegates favored starting over rather than fix the Articles. The result was the United States Constitution. It was adopted on Sept. 17, 1787, then sent to the states for ratification.

Do you know?

1) Who is known as the Father of the Bill of Rights?

a. James Madison

b. George Mason

c. Benjamin Franklin

2) Congress has the power to make rules regarding military forces.

True or False?

3) Who may appoint a new member of the House of Representatives when a vacancy occurs before a term is completed?

a. The Speaker of the House

b. The state governor

c. No one; an election is needed

This Constitution Week Spotlight is provided by Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. For more information about DAR, please visit the chapter’s website at ltgeorgefarragut.weebly.com.

Answers: 1. b. (George Mason); 2. True; 3. c. (No one; an election is needed)