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1 Running Head: Project 2: Historical Context and Introduction

Project 2: Historical Context and Introduction Joseph Devine HISTORY 100 October 11, 2020

2 Running Head: Project 2: Historical Context and Introduction

Research Plan Research Question: When drafting the Constitution did the founding fathers hope to create a well-balanced government and did impact other Countries? Introduction The founding fathers drafted and wrote the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Some of the famous contributors included George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin. This document serves as the foundation of our Government and was the first ever constitution in the world. Drafting this document was a lengthy process which included ratification. Much of the framework was taken from The Federalist Papers written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. The U.S. Constitution proved to be a mastery document influencing nations to lead by our example. The nations first President George Washington stated “The moment is indeed, important” in this statement to Henry Knox it shows he knew the significance of moving forward with this document. To prove my point, I have researched primary and secondary sources. Some of these sources come from the National Archives which houses the Federalist Papers written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay. Letters between Washington and James Madison as well as John Jay. There are several other important documents used in the creation of the U.S. Constitution. First we have the Magna Carta which is one of the most important documents in history. It was used to establish the principle that everyone is subject to the law even the king, it also ensures every individual has rights. The other document is the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence.

3 Running Head: Project 2: Historical Context and Introduction Historical Context The signing of the U.S. Constitution is the most important event in our nation’s history. We still had several open wounds after fighting the Revolutionary War and we had large debits because of the war. One of the largest areas that seemed to cause issues was the rights of states and how much power they would have. The nation was divided, and the Constitution was the debate everyone was dealing with. Then General George Washington was also one of the largest influencers over the drafting of the Constitution. Edward J. Larson wrote a book George Washington, Nationalist where Washington spoke with Antifederalist leader William Grayson “Were it not for the one great character in America so many men would not be for this government…. We do not fear while he lives, but we can expect his fame to be immortal. We wish to know, who besides him, can concentrate and confidence and affections of all America?” This quote alone goes to show just how much of an impact Washington had not only on drafting the Constitution but also on the people who were involved with this document as well (Larson, 2016) The Declaration of Independence came before the ratification and signing of the Constitution. Even before the Constitution came the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, this event laid the groundwork and provided the historical context for mapping the Constitution. On paper the primary accomplishment of the First Continental Congress was a compact among the colonies to boycott British goods, but the larger accomplishment was getting the 56 men together and showing their unification and willingness to forge this nation forward. While the Country was taking small steps forward, the founding fathers made a leap forward with the signing of the Articles of Confederation. Even though they knew moving

4 Running Head: Project 2: Historical Context and Introduction forward was important they quickly identified weakness and drafters started immediately making changes. They needed to address the fact they could not tax citizens directly, having no national military, and finally a national bank to be able to organize the handling of money. These problems helped serve as the building blocks to what needed to be changed to move forward properly. When researching the book, The Nation in Trouble, speaks directly of the importance of the social, economic, and political state of America. This negative time in the U.S set the stage for the coming Constitutional Convention. (Blohm, 2007) Impact of Historical Context These events shaped the drafting and ratification of U.S. Constitution. First the Mana Carta served as a basis for the drafting his paper. The Declaration of Independence made it so the American citizens had a balance of freedom and rights. As I stated earlier the Articles of Confederation proved to be weak and again helped make the Constitution balanced and strong. The drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution would have been impossible without the ability to learn from all these documents and mold them together to form what we have today.

5 Running Head: Project 2: Historical Context and Introduction

References Roos, D. (2019, September, 30). How did Magna Carat Influence the U.S. Constitution? Retrieved October 8, 2020, from https://www.history.com/news/magna-carta-influenceus-constitution-bill-of-rights Founders Online: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 3 February 1787. “National archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/04-05-2006 Blohm, C. E. (2007) The New Nation in Trouble. Cooblestone, 20(9), 2-4 Retrived from https://search-ebscohost-com.exproxiy.shnu.edu/ligin.aspx?direct=true&db=khh&an Meyerson, M. (2009). Liberty’s Blueprint : How Madison and Hamilton wrote the Federalist Papers, defined the Constitution, and made democracy safe for the world. New York, N.Y.: Basic Books. Taylor, Q. (2014, January 01). Publius and Persuasion: Rhetorical Readings of The Federalist Papers. Retrieved from http://anamnesisjournal.com/2014/01/publius-persuasion rhetorical-readings-federalist-papers-2/...