Constitutional Convention

Definition

The Constitutional Convention was a pivotal meeting held in Philadelphia in 1787, where delegates gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately draft a new Constitution for the United States. This gathering resulted in the formation of a stronger federal government, establishing a framework that balanced powers between the national and state levels.

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 states.
2. George Washington was elected as the president of the convention, which lent significant legitimacy to the proceedings.
3. The outcome of the convention was the United States Constitution, which established the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
4. Key debates during the convention included issues of representation, slavery, and the powers of the federal government versus those of the states.
5. The new Constitution required ratification by nine out of thirteen states to become effective, leading to vigorous debates in state conventions and the subsequent Federalist Papers advocating for its adoption.

Review Questions

• How did the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation lead to the calling of the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government that struggled to address critical issues such as interstate commerce, national defense, and taxation. This inability to function effectively led to widespread dissatisfaction among leaders who recognized that a stronger national framework was necessary for maintaining order and unity. The growing economic turmoil and Shays' Rebellion highlighted these weaknesses, prompting calls for a convention to revise or replace the Articles.
• Discuss the compromises made during the Constitutional Convention and their significance for the new Constitution.
  • During the Constitutional Convention, several key compromises were made to address contentious issues among delegates. The Great Compromise balanced representation in Congress by creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate. Additionally, compromises on slavery, such as the Three-Fifths Compromise, allowed states to count a portion of their slave population for representation purposes while delaying any action on slavery until 1808. These compromises were crucial for gaining support from diverse state interests and ensuring the Constitution's ratification.
• Evaluate the impact of the Federalist Papers on public opinion regarding the Constitution following the Constitutional Convention.
  • The Federalist Papers were instrumental in shaping public opinion about the new Constitution after its proposal at the Constitutional Convention. Authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these essays argued for a strong federal government while addressing concerns about potential tyranny. They emphasized the benefits of federalism and checks and balances, persuading many skeptics by clarifying how individual liberties would be protected. The success of these writings helped rally support for ratification among skeptical states, demonstrating their significance in securing acceptance of the Constitution.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, adopted in 1781, which created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government.

Federalism:

A political system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.

The Great Compromise: An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining elements of both the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.