The leaders of the United States did not choose to simply revise or improve the Articles of Confederation in 1787 for several reasons:
1. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, had significant weaknesses. It created a weak central government with limited powers, leading to difficulties in effectively governing the country. The leaders recognized that merely revising the Articles would not address these fundamental flaws.
2. Need for a stronger central government: The leaders understood the importance of a stronger central government to address pressing issues such as interstate commerce, national defense, and foreign relations. The Articles of Confederation lacked the necessary provisions to tackle these challenges effectively.
3. Shays' Rebellion: In 1786-1787, Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising in Massachusetts by farmers protesting against economic hardships, highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation in maintaining law and order. This event served as a catalyst, demonstrating the need for a more robust central government capable of handling internal conflicts.
4. Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan: During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, delegates proposed alternative plans to revise the Articles of Confederation. The Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan were significant proposals that called for the creation of a new constitution and a stronger federal government, rather than mere revisions. These plans sparked intense debates and discussions, ultimately leading to the development of the United States Constitution.