Constitutional Convention of the United States

The Constitutional Convention of 1787, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, was a seminal event in American history that led to the creation of the United States Constitution, the supreme law of the United States. It was held in the old Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This gathering not only addressed the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation but also laid the foundation for the nation's federal government.

Prelude to the Convention

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States, establishing a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. This system proved ineffective in managing the young nation's economic and political issues, leading figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to advocate for a stronger federal government.

An earlier attempt to address these issues took place at the Annapolis Convention in 1786, but it did not yield significant results. However, it did set the stage for the Philadelphia Convention by recommending the broader meeting in 1787.

The Gathering of the Founders

The Constitutional Convention convened on May 25, 1787, and concluded on September 17, 1787. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen states attended, with Rhode Island abstaining. Among the notable attendees were George Washington, who was unanimously elected as the president of the Convention, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Roger Sherman.

Debates and Compromises

Throughout the summer, delegates engaged in rigorous debates over the structure and powers of the new government. Central issues included the representation of states in the bicameral legislature, the powers of the executive branch, and the regulation of commerce.

The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, advocated for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on population. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for each state. The resulting Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, led to the establishment of a Senate with equal representation and a House of Representatives based on population.

Key Outcomes

The final document, the United States Constitution, introduced a federal system with a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also included a process for amendments, allowing for future changes as needed. The Preamble famously begins with "We the People," signifying the foundational principle of popular sovereignty.

Ratification and Legacy

Following the Convention, the proposed Constitution required ratification by nine of the thirteen states. This sparked heated debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The Federalist Papers, penned by Madison, Hamilton, and John Jay, were crucial in persuading the public of the Constitution's merits.