The Looking Glass for 1787 -5774871838

The looking glass for 1787. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Mat. chap. 13th verse 26

This watercolor was created by Amos Doolittle (1754-1832) depicting the rival factions (Federals vs. Antifederals) on the eve of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

When delegates to the Constitutional Convention assembled at Philadelphia in May, 1787, the intention was to revise the Articles of Confederation. However, it became apparent that the document upon which the United States government would be based needed an entirely different foundation. Federalism became that foundation. 

Federalism is a system of dividing power between different levels of government: National, State, and Local. For more information about federalism and the United States Constitution, view the video Federalism, available from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Public Domain

Doolittle, Amos.  The looking glass for 1787. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Mat. chap. 13th verse 26. Watercolor. New Haven:1787. From Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2008661778/ (accessed July 31, 2018).