Omar Bennett
The U.S. Constitution, the fundamental framework of America's system of government, was signed in Philadelphia in 1787. The Constitutional Convention assembled in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, and the building has since become one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, D.C. The National Constitution Center, located steps away from Independence Hall, is where the Constitution is celebrated, debated, and illuminated. The National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., also holds a copy of the Constitution, which was moved there in 1952, along with the Declaration of Independence, in a grand procession including ceremonial troops, tanks, and servicemen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location of the Constitutional Convention | Philadelphia |
| Venue of the Convention | Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall |
| Date of the Convention | May 1787 |
| Duration of the Convention | Between May and September 1787 |
| Purpose of the Convention | To revise the Articles of Confederation |
| Outcome of the Convention | Decision to completely redesign the government |
| Ratification | Ratification by 9 of the 13 states enacted the new government |
| Current location of the Constitution | National Archives |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held in Philadelphia
The delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia included General George Washington, who was unanimously elected president of the convention. They shuttered the windows of the State House and swore secrecy to ensure free discussion. Initially, the goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation, but by mid-June, the delegates had decided to create an entirely new form of government. They faced disagreements over congressional representation, debating whether it should be based on population or divided equally among the states.
The Constitutional Convention resulted in the creation of a new model of government that divided federal authority among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, establishing a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. This redesign of the government addressed the challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation, including the inability to enforce laws and conduct effective foreign policy. The convention laid the foundation for the United States Constitution, which became operational in 1789 and has since been amended 27 times to adapt to the nation's evolving needs.
The process of ratifying the Constitution was carefully considered by the founders. Recognizing that state legislatures might be reluctant to cede power to a national government, they called for special ratifying conventions in each state. Ratification by 9 of the 13 states was required to enact the new government, and this majority was eventually achieved. The Constitution was then placed in the Library of Congress for safekeeping until it was transferred to the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., where it is currently exhibited alongside other key documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
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55 men met in the Pennsylvania State House
The Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787. 55 delegates from 12 states met in the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, to revise the Articles of Confederation. The windows of the State House were shuttered, and the delegates swore secrecy so they could speak freely. However, they soon decided to completely redesign the government, and fierce arguments ensued, including over congressional representation.
The Pennsylvania State House was a significant location for the founding of the United States. Not only was it where the Constitution was written and signed in the Assembly Room, but it was also the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
General George Washington, who feared that the young country was on the brink of collapse, was unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention. The delegates took measures to ensure privacy, such as spreading dirt on the cobblestone street outside to muffle the sound of passing carriages and carts.
The convention in Philadelphia met between May and September of 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. The Articles had given the Confederation Congress rule-making and funding powers, but it lacked enforcement powers and could not regulate commerce or print money.
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention created a model of government that divided federal authority between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, establishing a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch held too much power.
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The delegates took an oath of secrecy
The Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787. The delegates took an oath of secrecy, shutting the windows of the State House so they could speak freely about the revisions they wanted to make to the Articles of Confederation. By mid-June, they had decided to completely redesign the government, although there was little agreement on what form it would take. One of the most fiercely contested issues was congressional representation and whether it should be based on population or divided equally among the states.
General George Washington was unanimously elected president of the Philadelphia convention. The delegates' oath of secrecy was necessary to ensure that their discussions remained confidential and that they could negotiate and debate without outside influence or interference. They wanted to be able to propose and consider a range of ideas, some of which may have been controversial or unpopular with the public or the state legislatures.
The delegates were also aware that the state legislatures would be reluctant to give up power to a national government, so they knew that their discussions had to remain private if they were to have any hope of success in their endeavours. They wanted to create a strong central government that could effectively conduct foreign policy and address the challenges facing the nation. This included resolving issues arising from the payment of debts from the Revolutionary War and other domestic issues.
The Constitutional Convention met between May and September 1787, and their meetings resulted in the creation of a model of government that relied on a series of checks and balances. Federal authority was divided between the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches of government. The delegates' oath of secrecy ensured that they could work towards these goals without their negotiations being made public, which could have hindered their progress and the eventual ratification of the Constitution.
The Constitution was written and signed in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. This was the same place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The National Archives in Washington, DC, now holds all the key documents of the nation's founding, including the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
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The convention was held in the East Room on the first floor
The Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787. The delegates met in the Assembly Room on the first floor of the Pennsylvania State House, also known as Independence Hall. They shuttered the windows and swore secrecy so they could discuss matters freely. The convention was held in the East Room, now known as the Assembly Room, where the delegates debated and decided to completely redesign the government.
General George Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention. The delegates discussed a wide range of topics, including congressional representation and the powers of the federal government. They also debated the inclusion of a bill of rights, with most delegates believing that the fundamental rights of individuals were already secured in the state constitutions.
The Pennsylvania State House, or Independence Hall, holds significant historical value as it is also the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The building is located in Philadelphia, which served as a crucial site for the founding of the United States and the development of its democratic ideals. The city of Philadelphia witnessed the assembly of the Constitutional Convention and the creation of a framework for a new government.
The East Room of the Pennsylvania State House played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history. Within its walls, the delegates engaged in passionate debates, navigating complex political and ideological differences to forge a path toward a more unified and robust central government. Their decisions and compromises laid the foundation for the United States Constitution, which has endured and evolved over the centuries.
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The convention was led by George Washington
The Constitutional Convention of 1787, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, the Federal Convention, or the Grand Convention, was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States, resulting in the creation of the United States Constitution and the establishment of a centralized federal government. The convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specifically in the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall.
George Washington played a central role in the Constitutional Convention, and his presence carried significant weight due to the immense trust and respect he had earned during the war. Washington was unanimously elected as the president of the convention, and his leadership was instrumental in guiding the proceedings and ensuring a successful outcome.
Washington's strong support for a revised national government calmed anxieties about the future of the young nation. He addressed concerns about the form of government proposed, emphasizing that the apprehensions were not the real cause of opposition. Washington's influence extended beyond the convention as well. After the convention, he worked diligently to garner support for the ratification of the Constitution. His endorsement carried considerable weight, convincing many to vote in favor of ratification.
During the convention, Washington's role as a unifying figure was crucial. He observed the delegates' heated debates and disagreements while maintaining a neutral stance. The rule of secrecy allowed delegates to express their opinions freely, change their minds, and find common ground without worrying about public opinion or posturing. Washington's presence likely contributed to the civil atmosphere that facilitated productive discussions and, ultimately, the creation of the Constitution.
The convention's objective was to revise the Articles of Confederation, but its leaders, including Washington, aspired to create a new government. The result was a historic shift from the Articles of Confederation, which provided for a loose confederation of states, to the establishment of a stronger federal government with a single executive. Washington's honor and patriotism were central to the design of the presidency, and it was widely anticipated that he would become the first President of the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787.
The U.S. Constitution was written and signed in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall.
The original U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence are stored in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.
