Constitutional Convention

The 1787 gathering in Philadelphia where delegates from twelve states drafted the Constitution of the United States, replacing the Articles of Confederation with a stronger federal framework.

Virginia Plan: A proposal for a new national government with representation in Congress based largely on population. It set the convention’s initial agenda and favored large states.
James Madison: An American statesman and political theorist who helped design and defend the Constitution. He arrived with extensive preparations and shaped the Virginia Plan.
Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, in force from 1781 until it was replaced in 1789. Its weak central government prompted delegates to consider a new framework.
United States Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, establishing its national institutions and defining governmental powers and limits. It was the convention’s central product and replaced the Articles of Confederation.
New Jersey Plan: A proposal to revise the Articles of Confederation while preserving equal state representation in Congress. It opposed the Virginia Plan’s population-based advantage for large states.
George Washington: The commander of the Continental Army and first president of the United States. His presence as convention president lent authority to the gathering.
Annapolis Convention: A 1786 meeting of delegates from five states that called for a broader convention to address national commercial problems. Its call led directly to the Philadelphia gathering.
United States Constitutional Convention of 1787: The formal name commonly used for the gathering of state delegates in Philadelphia in 1787 to draft a new constitution. This alternate title distinguishes the event from later constitutional conventions.
Great Compromise: The agreement establishing a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal state representation. It resolved the central dispute over representation between large and small states.
Benjamin Franklin: An American writer, scientist, diplomat, and statesman who represented Pennsylvania at the convention. His interventions helped bring delegates toward agreement during difficult debates.

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