The state constitutions provided the practice arena for the writing of the United States Constitution. Massachusetts set an important precedent by drafting its constitution in a special convention called for that purpose. Even before the war ended, constitution writing was going on all over in special conventions, following the Massachusetts example. As John Adams put it, how glorious it was to be able to participate in the making of a government-few in history have had such an opportunity. Americans were aware that the entire world was watching, with more than a little skepticism about whether this experiment in republican government could work. Many Europeans assumed that America would fail and become some sort of despotism, or perhaps attach itself to one of the great nations of Europe.
The new state constitutions emphasized fundamental freedoms such as freedom of religion, speech, and the press.21 The office of governor was generally weak, and elected assemblies were given the most power. The state constitutions had to be ratified by a referendum of the people. Americans wanted written constitutions that would clearly define the rights of citizens and the limits of government power. Their attitude reflected the American distrust of power, an American characteristic that continues to this day. In writing their constitutions, the states incorporated parts of the British system (from their colonial charters) into their new governments, being wise enough not to throw out the baby with the bath water. Nevertheless, they still created radical new forms.
World History
