Forming A National Government

-Since all of the states wanted a lot of power, the United States government was weak.

-For example, it could not collect taxes. It could ask the states for money, but the states never gave enough.

-Many Americans thought that the United States needed a stronger government.

-So, in 1787 representatives met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to write the Constitution.

-They met with the door closed and the windows closed so that no one could hear what they were discussing.

-Some of the freedoms they talked about were:
-Freedom of Speech: Americans have the right to say what they feel about the country.
-Freedom of the Press: Americans have the right to publish what they feel about the country.
-Freedom of Assembly: Americans have the right to peacefully gather in groups.
-Freedom of Religion: Americans have the right to practice their own religion.

Background: Congress