Shortly after securing their independence from Britain, the United States adopted its first Constitution entitled, ‘The Articles of Confederation’. The text of this document conveyed a deep loathing for the vices of government, and ignored its most basic virtues. The Articles of Confederation made the fatal error of delegating certain responsibilities to the federal government while depriving it of the power necessary to carry them out. In the years after it was adopted, it became clear to most Americans that the current system of government was inoperable. Pennsylvania delegate James Wilson lamented,
“Can we perform a single national act? Can we do anything to procure us dignity, or to preserve peace and tranquility? Can we relieve the distress of our citizens? Can we provide for their welfare or happiness? The powers of our government are mere sound.” (Skousen,