Question

Why did John Dickinson volunteer to write the first constitution to spell out the rights and responsibilities of the Continental Congress ?

Answer 1

John Dickinson volunteered to write the first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, to protect the rights of the states, ensure a balance of power, and define the scope of the central government.

Step-by-step explanation:

John Dickinson volunteered to write the first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, to spell out the rights and responsibilities of the Continental Congress for several reasons:

1. Protecting the rights of the states: After the American colonies gained independence from Great Britain, there was a fear among the states that a strong central government would threaten their individual rights and autonomy. By drafting the Articles of Confederation, Dickinson aimed to create a government that would limit the power of the central authority and protect the rights of the states.
2. Ensuring a balance of power: Dickinson wanted to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. By dividing the government into three branches, with separate powers and responsibilities, he aimed to create a system of checks and balances that would maintain stability and prevent abuse of power.
3. Defining the scope of the central government: Dickinson and others were wary of granting too much power to the central government, as they feared it could become tyrannical. The Articles of Confederation outlined the limited powers of the central government, leaving most governing authority to the individual states.