The Formation of a
NewNation
L E S S O N 2 0
Key Questions
1. Whywas there a need for a
new plan of government?
2. How did our newU. S.
Constitution develop into
what it is today?
3. What part did Philadelphia
play in forming the new
Constitution in 1787?
4. What part did Philadelphia
play in forming the new Bill
of Rights in 1790?
KeyWords & People
GeorgeWashington
delegates
convention
Ben Franklin
GouveneurMorris
Roger Sherman
JamesMadison
amendments
Key Events & Places
Articles of Confederation
Constitutional Convention
Bill of Rights
Philadelphia
Independence Hall
United States Constitution
What Is Next After
Independence?
I
nour last lesson, theAmerican colonies
fought a six-year war with England to
win their freedom. The13 coloniesnow
became states. Together, they formed the
new country of the United States of
America. The next stepwas to create a new
government to run the country. Many
people wanted
George Washington
to
become king of our newnation. He didnot
want that type of government.
Remember, this was a time in history
when kings and queens controlled
governments. The very idea that common,
ordinary people could run a government
Chapter 6
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103
MAINPROBLEMSOF THE
ARTICLESOF CONFEDERATION
Therewas no central government.
Therewas no power to build an
army or navy.
Therewas noway tomake people
obey the law.
Therewas noway tomake and
collect taxes.
Therewas noway to control trade
among the states.
Therewas noway to solve
arguments among the states.
