The paper discusses the political events and issues that affected North Carolina and the nation between 1776 and 1789. Attitudes and philosophies on government and its centralization form the foundation for North Carolina's traditional and firm opposition to centralization of power and changes in government structure. North Carolina's philosophical development in this regard is traced from its unpretentious and undistinguished state constitution in 1776, to its strained relationship with the Continental Congress and the weak Articles of Confederation and to the ultimate participation in the Constitutional Convention. Specific arguments and views on the nature of government between the conservatives and radicals, the major concerns, basic philosophical differences, and inevitable confrontations are noted. (TRS)