Early National through The War of 1812 I. Constitutions determine the structure of government - experience and practice determine the character of government- Gouverneur Morris - ?No constitution is the same on paper as in life.? A. disagreement on the relative importance of the time period 1. Blum - 23, Garraty - 9, Link - 11, Current - 17, Bailey - 35, Morison - 48 . 2. personal view has changed from insignificant to one of great importance - particularly concerning the character of government B. dominant theme of the time - strength of the national government v strength of the states - the character of federalism must be defined 1. the leading players in this struggle will be Hamilton and Jefferson