What is the earliest time the US Constitution (or a close analog) could have been drafted? This means replacing the Articles of Confederation earlier, or perhaps skipping them altogether (don't know how plausible this is). Basically, where Washington becomes president sometime in the early-mid 1780s instead of 1789. There could be many butterflies, such as Washington taking three or four terms since OTL he declined due to his age.
Earliest possible US Constitution
- Thread starter Plumber
- Start date
One of the earliest was the Albany Plan, proposed by Ben Franklin in the 1760s. The thing is the revolution and then the Articles were a reaction to what the colonists thought were a tightening of control over their lives by the British and only learned about the need for the Constitution because of the Articles period and the chaos it wrought on their lives.
Washington never really wanted the job. He took because he had too; if he wanted to rule for life he would have ran in 1796 or allowed himself to be crowned King. Remember for most of these men Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams to name a few where involved in the American Cause for 40+ years. By 1796 Washington was in his late 60s (old but by no means ancient, he was quite vigourous and was in perfect health until a few days before he got pnuemonia) and ready to return to Mt. Vernon.
Washington never really wanted the job. He took because he had too; if he wanted to rule for life he would have ran in 1796 or allowed himself to be crowned King. Remember for most of these men Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams to name a few where involved in the American Cause for 40+ years. By 1796 Washington was in his late 60s (old but by no means ancient, he was quite vigourous and was in perfect health until a few days before he got pnuemonia) and ready to return to Mt. Vernon.
Wasn't the Albany plan just like the government of the Articles, except under British authority?
From Wiki-
The Plan called for the general government to be administered by a President General appointed and supported by the Crown, and a Grand Council to be chosen by the representatives of the colonial assemblies. Many objections and difficulties were debated, addressed, and resolved whereupon the plan was unanimously adopted by the delegates of the Albany Congress. Copies were then sent to the Colonial Assemblies and the British Board of Trade in London.[2] The Plan was promptly rejected by both sides. "The colonial assemblies and most of the people were narrowly provincial in outlook, mutually jealous, and suspicious of any central taxing authority."[3] Many in the British government, already wary of some of the strong-willed colonial assemblies, disliked the idea of consolidating additional power into their hands. Instead, they preferred that the colonists' focus remain on the forthcoming military campaign. The Board of Trade never sought official approval for the Plan from the Crown. Instead, they proposed that colonial governors, along with some members of their respective councils, order the raising of troops and building of forts, using money from Treasury of Great Britain which would later be repaid by an Act of Parliament laying a tax on America.
It seems to be a bit more centralized and seems to have taxing authority which the Articles did not.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany_Plan#cite_note-3
The Plan called for the general government to be administered by a President General appointed and supported by the Crown, and a Grand Council to be chosen by the representatives of the colonial assemblies. Many objections and difficulties were debated, addressed, and resolved whereupon the plan was unanimously adopted by the delegates of the Albany Congress. Copies were then sent to the Colonial Assemblies and the British Board of Trade in London.[2] The Plan was promptly rejected by both sides. "The colonial assemblies and most of the people were narrowly provincial in outlook, mutually jealous, and suspicious of any central taxing authority."[3] Many in the British government, already wary of some of the strong-willed colonial assemblies, disliked the idea of consolidating additional power into their hands. Instead, they preferred that the colonists' focus remain on the forthcoming military campaign. The Board of Trade never sought official approval for the Plan from the Crown. Instead, they proposed that colonial governors, along with some members of their respective councils, order the raising of troops and building of forts, using money from Treasury of Great Britain which would later be repaid by an Act of Parliament laying a tax on America.
It seems to be a bit more centralized and seems to have taxing authority which the Articles did not.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albany_Plan#cite_note-3
