After the American Revolution, the states experimented with different forms of government and adopted republic systems where citizens elected representatives. The Articles of Confederation served as the first national government but it was weak, leaving most power to the states. This led to issues like Shays' Rebellion. At the Constitutional Convention, the Founding Fathers worked to address challenges in creating a stronger national government that balanced state and federal power. They developed the Virginia Plan which established the three branches of government and a bicameral legislature. The Great Compromise resolved representation in Congress, while the Three-Fifths Compromise addressed counting slaves. The Electoral College system was chosen for electing the president, and a Bill of Rights was