What event led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution?

The writing of the U.S. Constitution was primarily prompted by the failure of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles, adopted in 1781, established a framework for national government but ultimately proved ineffective in addressing the country's needs. One significant issue was the lack of a strong central authority, which made it difficult to manage economic turmoil, national defense, and interstate relations. The federal government was unable to levy taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws effectively, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among the states.

The weaknesses of the Articles became apparent during events such as Shay's Rebellion, which highlighted the inability of the government to maintain order and protect property. As a result, a convention was called in Philadelphia in 1787 to address these issues, leading to the drafting of a new governing document - the U.S. Constitution. This new framework established a stronger federal government with the necessary powers to govern effectively while also incorporating checks and balances to prevent tyranny.

While the American Revolution and the signing of the Declaration of Independence played critical roles in the founding of the nation, they did not directly lead to the Constitution's creation. The Great Depression, on the other hand, occurred much later and is unrelated to the historical context of the Constitution's drafting.