Constitutional Convention

Definition

The Constitutional Convention was a meeting of delegates from the American states in 1787 that resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution. It was a pivotal event in the development of the U.S. government, as the delegates gathered to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and establish a new, more effective system of governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitutional Convention was convened in Philadelphia in 1787, with delegates from all 13 original states in attendance.
2. The primary purpose of the Convention was to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger, more effective federal government.
3. The Convention was led by George Washington, who was elected as the presiding officer, and James Madison, who is often referred to as the 'Father of the Constitution'.
4. The delegates engaged in extensive debates and compromises, including the Connecticut Compromise, which established the bicameral legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives.
5. The Constitution drafted at the Convention was then sent to the states for ratification, a process that was not without controversy and debate.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the Constitutional Convention in the development of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The Constitutional Convention was a pivotal event in the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Delegates from the 13 original states gathered in 1787 to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and establish a new, more effective system of governance. Through extensive debates and compromises, the Convention resulted in the drafting of the Constitution, which was then sent to the states for ratification. The Convention was a critical step in the transition from the loose confederation of the Articles to the stronger federal government outlined in the Constitution.
• Describe the key debates and compromises that took place during the Constitutional Convention.
  • The Constitutional Convention was marked by significant debates and compromises among the delegates. One of the most notable was the Connecticut Compromise, which established the bicameral legislature with a Senate and House of Representatives. This addressed the conflict between larger and smaller states, with the Senate providing equal representation and the House of Representatives allocating representation based on population. Other key debates centered on the balance of power between the federal government and the states, the role of slavery, and the structure of the executive branch. Through these discussions and negotiations, the delegates were able to craft a document that addressed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and laid the foundation for the U.S. government as we know it today.
• Analyze the impact of the Constitutional Convention on the ratification process and the eventual establishment of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The work of the Constitutional Convention did not end with the drafting of the Constitution. The document then had to be ratified by the states, a process that was not without controversy and debate. The ratification process highlighted the tensions between those who supported a stronger federal government (Federalists) and those who preferred a more decentralized system (Anti-Federalists). Ultimately, the Constitution was ratified, but only after significant political maneuvering and the promise of a Bill of Rights to address the concerns of the Anti-Federalists. The successful ratification of the Constitution, following the work of the Convention, was a critical step in establishing the United States government as we know it today, with its division of power between the federal and state governments.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States, which established a loose confederation of sovereign states and was replaced by the U.S. Constitution.

Ratification: The process by which a governing document, such as a constitution, is formally approved and adopted by the necessary governing bodies or the people.

Federalism: The division of power between the federal government and state governments, with each level having its own jurisdiction and responsibilities.