Creation of the Constitutional Convention

Question 1

3 points

Why did Rebellion break out in Massachusetts?

Answer 1

• The Massachusetts state Legislative set up in Boston was dominated by wealthy merchants.
• Farmers from western Massachusetts struggled with high levels of taxation and debt; they faced losing their farms.
• Controlled by creditors, the state legislature insisted that the debt be paid in coin; in 1786 they refused to print paper money, causing tensions to boil over.

Question 2

3 points

What were the events of Shays’ rebellion?

Answer 2

• 1500 armed farmers prevented courts from operating in Hampshire country. At Great Barrington a crowd released debtors from prison. They were protesting the decision not to print paper money.
• In September 1786, Daniel Shays (a former soldier) organised 700 men to march on Springfield, where some of the protestors were to be put on trial. He got some of the local militia to join him, and they prevented the court from sitting.
• Merchants paid for an amred force (led by General Lincoln) to suppress the rebellion. The two armies met at Petersham. The rebels were defeated, with three killed. Shays fled and was later pardoned.

Question 3

3 points

What were the consequences of Shays’ Rebellion?

Answer 3

• Many were horrified that the tension had spilt over into violence, and were afraid it would happen gain unless there was political change to strengthen the government.
• The military weakness of Congress was exposed; it had no army to supress the rebels and had to rely on merchants to pay for one.
• Shays’ rebellion helped to convince Congress that it should accept the recommendation of the Annapolis meeting that a convention of all the states should be called in 1787 to redraft the Articles of Confederation.

Question 4

4 points

What intellectual theories led people to see the need for the constitutional convention?

Answer 4

• Faced with the problems of the 1780s, many amongst the wealthy elite came to believe that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate and that America needed a strong central government.
• The reformers, known as federalists were influenced by the ideas of the French Enlightenment and particularly Baron de Montesquieu.
• Montesquie thought that a strong national government could be a positive force, and that a strong national government should be balanced by an elected legislature and a strong judiciary system (a separation of power).
• These ideas influenced people like James Maddison, who would become the most influential figure at the Constitutional Convention.

Question 5

4 points

What were the origins of the Constitutional Convention?

Answer 5

• Trade dispute between Maryland and Virginia over who could trade on Potomac river. Maddison (from Virginia) suggests meeting at Mt Vernon to sort it out.
• Dispute settled quickly, Maddison then suggests meeting to promote commercial cooperation.
• Sept. 1786, reps from 5 states meet at Annapolis to discuss trade. They recognise weaknessess of Articles and ask Congress to call a convention where all states meet to redraft them.
• Shaken by Shays’ Rebellion, Congress agrees. Delegates (chaired by Washington) gather in Philly in May 1787 to begin the work.