Final answer:
During the Revolutionary War, debates raged over the balance of power between state and national governments, leading to the eventual creation of the Articles of Confederation as the country's first national constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Revolutionary War, General Washington and the new state governments were engaged in debates over the creation of a national government. The challenges they faced were underscored by the importance of new governmental frameworks that would reflect the revolutionary ideals of autonomy and the consent of the governed. American leaders were aware of the need for a political framework to maintain order and support the war effort, yet they were cautious about establishing a strong central government that might infringe on the rights they were fighting to protect.
From 1776 to 1789, leaders like John Adams and the Continental Congress worked to lay out the structures for state governments and the nation while still engaged in armed conflict. These governments were to be firmly rooted in the principles of republicanism and structured to prevent the abuse of power. The process resulted in the creation of the Articles of Confederation, America's first national constitution, but not without significant debate over the balance of power and the safeguarding of liberties.