Mort Kunstler Artist Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Canvas Giclee:" Constitution Debated, The"

Artist: Mort Kunstler
Title: The Constitution Debated
About The Art:

• Certificate of Authentication
• Numbered and Signed by Artist
• Limited Edition of 100 Canvas Editions.
• Giclee Canvas Prints Reproduction technique: Giclees are printed with the finest archival pigmented inks on canvas.
• Canvas Size 14" x 16"
• Framing Available

The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the thirteen original states in the United States. But within a few years it had become obvious that they could not secure a lasting foundation for stable government. In February 1787, Congress called for a new convention of the states to meet in Philadelphia in May and "render the constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union." The convention opened on May 25, and the delegates promptly elected the imperturbable George Washington to preside over the proceedings. But he played little active role in the debates. Instead, James Madison of Virginia took the lead in advocating a proposal for a strong central government, as outlined in the Virginia Plan, which he had drafted.

Debate began and continued through the summer. Opponents of the Virginia Plan proposed an alternate New Jersey Plan, advocated by delegate William Paterson of that state, which would have severely limited federal powers. The arguments were sometimes polite and often bitter, but always creative. "Never was an assembly of men, charged with a great & arduous trust," wrote Madison, "who were more pure in their motives, or more exclusively or anxiously devoted…to the object of devising and proposing a constitutional system which would…best secure the permanent liberty and happiness of their country."