The Founding Fathers: A Small Group, Big Impact

The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, was attended by 55 delegates, all of whom are considered Framers of the Constitution. The convention took place in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The convention was called to revise the Articles of Confederation, which gave the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but lacked enforcement powers, couldn't regulate commerce, and couldn't print money. However, by mid-June, the delegates had decided to create a new system of government, not just revise the existing one. The final document was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787.

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The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787

The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787. The convention was held in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall.

The convention was assembled to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been America's first constitution. However, by mid-June, the delegates had decided to create an entirely new system of government. The convention took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, with 55 delegates in attendance. These delegates, also known as the Framers of the Constitution, were chosen by state legislatures, and most had served in the Revolution and in colonial or state government. Notable figures among the delegates included George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and James Wilson.

The Constitutional Convention addressed issues such as congressional representation and the question of slavery. The delegates agreed to a compromise on congressional representation, deciding that each state would have one representative for every 30,000 people in the House of Representatives and two representatives in the Senate. Regarding slavery, they agreed to count enslaved Africans as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes and to allow the slave trade to continue until 1808.

On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates signed the Constitution, with George Reed signing on behalf of the absent John Dickinson of Delaware. The Constitutional Convention resulted in the creation of a powerful central government and a federal system with more specific powers, particularly in conducting foreign relations.

70 representatives were appointed, but only 55 delegates attended

The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, was held in 1787. The convention met in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia.

The states had originally appointed 70 representatives to the convention. However, a number of the appointees did not accept or were unable to attend, resulting in only 55 delegates attending the sessions. These 55 delegates are considered the Framers of the Constitution, and they represented 12 of the 13 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that refused to send delegates.

The delegates included many leading figures of the period, such as George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. They came together to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation and to revise and improve the existing government structure. While the convention was not intended to draft a new constitution, the delegates ultimately agreed on a new system of government, creating a powerful central government with more specific powers.

The 55 delegates worked on drafting and refining the Constitution, and 39 of them ultimately signed the document. The process involved heated debates, and some delegates left before the ceremony or refused to sign, expressing their opposition to the Constitution and demanding a Bill of Rights. Despite these differences, the Constitutional Convention resulted in the creation of a new system of government and a framework that has endured and been emulated worldwide.

39 delegates signed the Constitution

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 brought together delegates from 12 states to discuss and create a new framework for governing the United States of America. The convention was held in Philadelphia, and while the exact number of attendees is not certain, it is estimated that around 55 people participated in the debates and discussions. Of these, 39 delegates signed the final document, the United States Constitution, on September 17, 1787.

The 39 signatories included some of the most prominent and influential figures of the time, such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. These men represented a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including lawyers, merchants, farmers, and statesmen. Despite their differences, they shared a common goal: to create a strong and durable framework of government that would protect the freedoms and liberties of the American people.

The signing of the Constitution was a significant moment in the history of the United States. It marked the culmination of months of intense debate and compromise, as the delegates worked to resolve their differences and create a document that could unite the young nation. The Constitution established a federal system of government with a strong central authority, while also protecting the rights and powers of the individual states.

Not all of the delegates who attended the convention signed the final document. Three delegates refused to add their signatures, including Edmund Randolph of Virginia, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts. These men had their own reasons for dissenting, including concerns over the lack of a bill of rights and the potential for a powerful central government to infringe on states' rights.

The 39 signatures on the Constitution represent more than just a legal formality – they stand as a testament to the dedication and compromise of the Founding Fathers. These men set aside their personal differences and regional rivalries to create a document that has endured for over two centuries, providing a foundation for the governance of the United States of America.

The signing of the Constitution was just the beginning, as the document then had to be ratified by the people of the states. This process concluded when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788, and the new government under the Constitution took effect in 1789.

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The convention was also known as the Federal Convention or the Philadelphia Convention

The Constitutional Convention, which took place in 1787, was also known as the Federal Convention or the Philadelphia Convention. The convention was held in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia.

The convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which was America's first constitution. However, the delegates ultimately decided to create a new system of government rather than simply revising the existing one. This decision was influenced by concerns about the weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government to address issues such as severe economic troubles and radical political movements like Shays' Rebellion.

The Federal Convention was attended by 55 delegates, who were appointed by the state legislatures. These delegates are considered the Framers of the Constitution, and they represented 12 of the 13 states, with Rhode Island being the only state that refused to send delegates. The delegates included many notable figures from the period, such as George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton.

The Philadelphia Convention resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution, which established a federal government with more specific powers, including the power to conduct relations with foreign governments. The Constitution was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, and it has served as the basis of the United States government since its ratification in 1789.

The convention took place in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall

The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention, the Philadelphia Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, took place in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall. The convention was held in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, with the primary goal of amending the Articles of Confederation. However, as the convention progressed, the delegates agreed to work towards a new system of government rather than simply revising the existing Articles.

The Pennsylvania State House, a significant building in Philadelphia's history, served as the venue for this pivotal event in American history. The delegates, aware of the sensitive nature of their discussions, shuttered the windows of the State House to ensure privacy. This allowed them to speak freely and engage in the intense debates that shaped the future of the nation.

The building witnessed the passionate exchanges and compromises that led to the creation of a powerful central government. The delegates, representing diverse interests and viewpoints, navigated complex issues such as congressional representation and the status of slavery. Their efforts culminated in the drafting of a constitution that has endured and been emulated worldwide.

Independence Hall, as it came to be known, holds a special place in the history of the United States. It was here that the Founding Fathers gathered to lay the foundations of a new nation, establishing a federal government with more defined powers, particularly in the realm of foreign affairs. The hall resonates with the spirit of collaboration and compromise that characterised the Constitutional Convention.

The name "Independence Hall" reflects the significance of the events that transpired within its walls. It stands as a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the delegates who crafted a constitution that has stood the test of time and continues to shape the United States of America. The building's legacy extends beyond the physical structure, embodying the ideals of democracy and the pursuit of a more perfect union.

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