The defects of the Confederation.

The article presents a speech given by Benjamin Rush at the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The address highlights what Rush describes as the weaknesses of the American confederacy under the Articles of Confederation. Key weaknesses perceived by Rush include a lack of coercive power, and a lack of authority to issue paper money and to regulate commerce. Rush also discusses his view that the Articles of Confederation are weak because the nation's sovereign power is concentrated in a single legislature. The frequent rotation of legislators through term limits is also described as a weakening factor. Rush argues in favor of founding universities with government funds. It is argued that a reliable post office must be established to foster communication and cooperation between citizens of the U.S. Rush also recommends that large portions of the U.S. continent be sold to prevent the large land size of the U.S. from undermining political unity.