Constitutional Convention

Definition

The Constitutional Convention was a gathering of delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia aimed at addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and creating a new framework for the United States government. This event led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which established a stronger federal government and provided a system of checks and balances. The convention played a critical role in shaping the nation's political structure and responding to various challenges faced under the previous governing document.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitutional Convention took place from May to September 1787 and was attended by 55 delegates from 12 of the 13 states.
2. The primary goal was to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, which had resulted in economic turmoil and inability to raise funds or regulate trade.
3. The convention led to significant debates over representation, leading to compromises such as the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise.
4. Notable figures like George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin played key roles in the discussions and eventual framing of the Constitution.
5. The Constitution established a federal government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with its own powers and responsibilities.

Review Questions

• What were the main issues that prompted the convening of the Constitutional Convention?
  • The main issues that prompted the Constitutional Convention included the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which resulted in economic instability, inability to enforce laws, and lack of federal power to regulate commerce or taxation. Delegates recognized that a stronger central government was needed to address these problems and maintain order among the states. The convention aimed to create a new governing framework that could effectively manage national interests while balancing state sovereignty.
• How did the compromises reached at the Constitutional Convention address the differing interests of large and small states?
  • Compromises such as the Great Compromise addressed tensions between large and small states by establishing a bicameral legislature. This system provided equal representation for states in the Senate while allowing representation based on population in the House of Representatives. These compromises were crucial for gaining support from both factions, ensuring that all states had a voice in the new government structure while also addressing concerns about proportional representation.
• Evaluate the impact of the Constitutional Convention on the development of American governance and its relevance today.
  • The Constitutional Convention had a profound impact on American governance by establishing a strong federal government with checks and balances among three branches. This framework not only addressed previous weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation but also set foundational principles such as separation of powers, federalism, and individual rights. The Constitution remains relevant today as it provides a living document that adapts through amendments and interpretations, reflecting ongoing debates about governance, rights, and federal authority in contemporary America.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first governing document of the United States, created in 1781, which established a weak central government with limited powers.

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states.

The Great Compromise: An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.