In 1783, America emerged from a long and bitter war for Independence. The 13 colonies were now 13 sovereign states, bound together by the Articles of Confederation. After years of war, men like Thomas Jefferson saw the possibility of something new under the sun. . .a government which derived its just power from the consent of those governed. But America was in crisis. The Continental Congress was bankrupt and could not pay off its huge war debts. Many of the 13 states refused to contribute money, or to cooperate with each other. What was the solution? Should the United States become a league of sovereign states, or one country under a national government? In May, 1787, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to attend a convention. The delegates read like an honor roll of American history. After more than three months of passionate debate, conflict and compromise, the United States Constitution was passed, establishing a national government. But to become the law of the land, the Constitution had to be independently ratified by at least 9 of the 13 states.