The United States Constitution: A synopsis of it's positives and negatives.

In 1781, the Articles of Confederation were written in order to secure the states' rights. This document lacked many qualities necessary for a successful government, and therefore caused a great deal of debate concerning the ratification of a new system. Federalists advocated the passing of a new Constitution, welcoming the tie it would establish between states and the creation of a strong central government. Opposing the constitution were the anti-federalists, threatened by its ability to eliminate …

…Shay's rebellion was an example of protesters to the Articles--the central government was not strong enough to hold the nation so the states had to, which did not please the rebels. Ultimately, the Articles were distinguished and a new Constitution was ratified in 1790, primarily by Madison, Jefferson, Washington, and Adams. The Bill of Rights was added later, and both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are still in effect today, over two centuries later.