Chronological Confederation Crises (1781–1787) & Historical Roll Call Debrief
Purpose of the Simulation
Welcome, Delegate! The purpose of this simulation is to step into the shoes of an 18th-century American legislator and experience the governing challenges under America's first constitution: The Articles of Confederation.
You will represent one of the original state delegations. As you navigate 10 real historical crises from 1781 to 1787, you will cast votes alongside historical roll call records. Through this simulation, you will see how rigid voting rules (like 9/13 supermajorities and required 13/13 unanimity), lack of federal taxing power, and conflicting regional interests repeatedly resulted in gridlock—ultimately forcing delegates to convene in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft the U.S. Constitution.