The Second Continental Congress was divided on the subject of a national government primarily between two factions: the conservatives and the radicals.
- The conservatives, led by figures like John Jay of New York and John Dickinson of Pennsylvania, believed reconciliation with Britain was still possible and were cautious about breaking away completely. They favored a more limited national government and initially supported efforts like the Olive Branch Petition, which sought peaceful resolution while maintaining loyalty to the Crown.
- The radicals, led by John Adams of Massachusetts and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, pushed for full independence and a stronger national government to unite the colonies. They advocated for decisive action, including raising armies and declaring independence, which culminated in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Regarding the structure of national government, the Congress initially operated with limited powers-it could raise armies and appoint generals but lacked authority to tax or regulate commerce. This reflected the delegates’ wariness of a strong central government. Over time, the need for a more unified government led to the drafting and adoption of the Articles of Confederation in 1777, which created a weak central government that preserved state sovereignty and granted Congress limited powers such as declaring war and making treaties, but no power to tax
. Thus, the division was between those favoring a cautious, limited national government with hopes of reconciliation, and those advocating for independence and a more centralized authority to effectively prosecute the war and govern the new nation. This division shaped the gradual evolution from a loose confederation to the eventual creation of a stronger federal government after the Revolutionary War.
