The major challenge faced by the newly formed U.S. government in the 1780s was establishing a strong and effective federal system of governance. The weakness of the Articles of Confederation highlighted issues like lack of central authority, economic instability, and challenges in foreign diplomacy. The inability to raise revenue and regulate commerce led to calls for reform, culminating in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The result was a new framework that balanced powers between federal and state governments, addressing the need for a robust national government while protecting individual liberties, ultimately shaping the future of American democracy and governance.