ID: Constitutional Convention
WHEN: May 25 - September 17, 1787
WHO: 55 delegates (from 12 states, Rhode Island did not participate) including:
- James Madison (“Father of the Constitution” for his role in drafting and promoting the document)
- George Washington (presided over the Convention, lending legitimacy and authority)
- Alexander Hamilton (advocated for a strong central government)
- Benjamin Franklin (elder statesman, helped forge compromises)
- Roger Sherman (proposed the Connecticut Compromise)
WHAT:
Meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, initially intended to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Key Issues and Compromises:
- Representation: Resolved by the Connecticut (Great) Compromise, creating a bicameral legislature with representation in the House of Representatives based on population and equal representation in the Senate.
- Slavery: The Three-Fifths Compromise counted each slave as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes. The slave trade was allowed to continue for 20 years.
- Power of the Federal Government: Established a system of separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial) with checks and balances to prevent tyranny.
IMPACT: Why Significant?:
- Created the United States Constitution, replacing the weak Articles of Confederation.
- Established a framework for a more powerful and effective national government while addressing concerns about potential tyranny.
- Left some issues unresolved, such as slavery, which would continue to cause tension and ultimately lead to the Civil War.
- Debates over ratification led to the development of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist factions, shaping early American political thought.