Malcolm Rivera
The United States Constitution, the country's supreme law, was written and signed on September 17, 1787, and published in the newspaper The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser two days later. It was created to replace the Articles of Confederation, which was deemed inadequate as it gave the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but it had no enforcement powers, couldn’t regulate commerce, or print money. The Constitution was not enacted immediately after being signed; it had to be approved by the people through a ratification process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date presented to the convention | September 12, 1787 |
| Date signed | September 17, 1787 |
| Date submitted to Congress | Within three days of signing |
| Date published in a newspaper | September 19, 1787 |
| Date it superseded the Articles of Confederation | March 4, 1789 |
| Date the Confederation Congress established to begin operating a new government under the Constitution | March 4, 1789 |
| Number of signers | 39 |
| Number of articles | 7 |
| Number of states that ratified the Constitution | 9 out of 13 |
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What You'll Learn
The Philadelphia Convention, 1787
The Philadelphia Convention of 1787, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was a pivotal event in American history that culminated in the creation of the United States Constitution. The convention took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall, in Philadelphia. Fifty-five delegates, including James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, elected as president of the convention, came together to address the weaknesses of the central government under the existing Articles of Confederation.
The convention was convened in response to a financial crisis and civil unrest, including Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787), which exposed the inadequacies of the loose confederation of states. The delegates aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation and strengthen the federal government. However, the convention ultimately resulted in the rejection of the Articles and the drafting of a new constitution, marking a significant shift toward a more unified and powerful central government.
James Madison, a key figure in the convention, had studied historical republics and confederacies and drafted a document titled "Vices of the Political System of the United States," which identified weaknesses in the American political system and proposed solutions. Madison's ideas, which included a strong central government, compulsory taxation authority, and the power to regulate commerce, formed the basis for the convention's discussions.
The convention faced contentious issues, with delegates debating slavery, the insertion of a fugitive slave clause, the abolition of the slave trade, and proportional representation for slaves. The Connecticut Compromise in mid-July 1787 helped resolve lingering disagreements, allowing for the creation of a draft constitution by the Committee of Detail. This draft underwent further modifications and compromises before the Committee of Style produced the final version in early September.
The final version of the Constitution, consisting of seven articles and a preamble, was presented to the convention on September 12, 1787. After careful consideration and close votes on several articles, the delegates voted on and signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Within three days, it was submitted to the Congress of the Confederation. The Constitution came into effect in 1789, superseding the Articles of Confederation and establishing a federal government with defined powers, including those related to foreign relations.
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Drafting and signing the Constitution
The drafting of the United States Constitution was a lengthy and complex process that began in 1787. At the time, the young country was facing significant challenges, including disputes over territory, war pensions, taxation, and trade. The Articles of Confederation, America's first constitution, had given the Confederation Congress the power to make rules and request funds from the states, but it lacked enforcement powers and the ability to regulate commerce or print money.
Recognizing the need for change, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington, along with other delegates, convened the Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, on May 25, 1787. The convention was conducted under an oath of secrecy, with shutters drawn to ensure privacy. General George Washington was unanimously elected president of the convention.
The delegates appointed a Committee of Detail, including John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson, to draft a detailed constitution reflecting the resolutions passed by the convention. After recessing for several days, the committee presented a twenty-three article (plus preamble) constitution, which was discussed and further amended. A Committee of Style and Arrangement, including Alexander Hamilton, was then tasked with finalizing the document.
On September 12, 1787, the final draft of the Constitution was presented to the convention. It contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement, with Gouverneur Morris as the primary author. The delegates carefully considered each section, and on September 15, Edmund Randolph proposed amendments by the state conventions.
Finally, on September 17, 1787, 39 delegates signed the Constitution, marking the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention. However, several delegates were disappointed, and some even refused to sign. Benjamin Franklin, despite his disapproval of certain parts, accepted the Constitution, acknowledging the need for compromise. The document was then submitted to the Congress of the Confederation in New York City within three days of its signing. The Constitution did not immediately come into effect but had to undergo a ratification process, with ratification by nine of the thirteen states required to enact the new government. New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify on June 21, 1788, and the Confederation Congress established March 4, 1789, as the date to begin operating under the new government.
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Compromises and disagreements
The Constitution of the United States, written during the Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was signed on September 17, 1787, and published in the newspaper The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser two days later, on September 19, 1787. This marked the first time the public saw the Constitution.
The creation of the U.S. Constitution was a long and arduous process, with many compromises and disagreements along the way. One of the main points of contention was the role of the central government. The Anti-Federalists opposed a strong central government, arguing that it resembled the monarchy they had just overthrown, while the Federalists believed a strong central government was necessary to address the nation's challenges. The delegates, representing diverse interests and views, crafted compromises to accommodate these differing perspectives.
Another issue that sparked debate was the process of ratification. Initially, there were discussions about whether the state legislatures or special ratifying conventions in each state should ratify the Constitution. Ultimately, it was decided that bypassing the state legislatures was prudent, as their members would be reluctant to cede power to a national government. This decision shifted the focus to gaining approval from the people directly.
The delegates themselves also had differing opinions about the Constitution. Some were disappointed in the final draft, viewing it as a series of unfortunate compromises. A few delegates left before the signing ceremony, and three others refused to sign it. Benjamin Franklin, despite having reservations about certain parts, accepted the Constitution, acknowledging that it might be the best option available.
The Constitutional Convention, conducted under an oath of secrecy, witnessed passionate and thoughtful deliberations among the delegates. The nationalists, led by Madison, played a significant role in shaping the proceedings. They advocated for a new constitution that would be ratified by the people, recognizing that it might face resistance in the legislatures where state political leaders held sway. The convention also saw the emergence of Alexander Hamilton as a prominent spokesman for the new Constitution.
The final draft of the Constitution, presented on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement. The delegates meticulously considered each section, and close votes were held on several articles. The work of the convention culminated in the signing of the Constitution by 39 delegates, marking a significant achievement in the establishment of a new form of government.
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Ratification by the states
The U.S. Constitution, written during the Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was signed on September 17, 1787. The convention was conducted under an oath of secrecy, so the first time the public saw the Constitution was when it was published in a newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, on September 19, 1787—two days after it was signed.
The U.S. Constitution was ratified by the states, and it is the supreme law of the land. Article VII of the Constitution established that ratification by the conventions of nine of the thirteen states was sufficient for its establishment. The founders set the terms for ratifying the Constitution, bypassing the state legislatures as their members would be reluctant to give up power to a national government. Instead, they called for special ratifying conventions in each state. The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution because it created a powerful central government, while the Federalists believed that a strong central government was necessary to face the nation's challenges.
The ratification campaign was challenging, with only six of the thirteen states initially reporting a pro-Constitution majority. The tide turned in Massachusetts, where the "vote now, amend later" compromise helped secure victory, and eventually, the necessary nine states. On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, and the Confederation Congress established March 4, 1789, as the date to begin operating a new government under the Constitution. The Constitution superseded the Articles of Confederation, which was America's first constitution, on March 4, 1789.
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The Constitution today
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, superseding the Articles of Confederation in 1789. It outlines the framework of the federal government, with its three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitution remains highly relevant in the modern era, with journalists and citizens alike engaging in debates on topics such as gun control, gay marriage, affirmative action, criminal procedure, and healthcare.
The Constitution's text, history, and structure provide a foundation for understanding the American political system and the roles of its various organs. It continues to shape the country's political and legal landscape, influencing policies and laws at the federal, state, and local levels. The document's principles and provisions are often invoked in discussions about current events and controversial issues, demonstrating its enduring significance in American society.
One notable aspect of the Constitution's enduring legacy is its interpretation and application by the Supreme Court. The judicial branch, headed by the Supreme Court, has the power to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions. This role has been particularly significant in shaping the country's legal landscape, as the Court's decisions can have far-reaching implications for various social, political, and economic issues.
The Constitution's impact extends beyond the Supreme Court and the federal government. It also plays a crucial role in shaping state and local governments, as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The document's provisions, such as the Bill of Rights and its amendments, directly affect the lives of Americans by guaranteeing certain freedoms and protections.
In conclusion, the United States Constitution remains a vital document in the country's political and legal landscape. Its principles and provisions continue to shape policies, laws, and societal norms, influencing everything from the structure of the government to the rights of citizens. By understanding the Constitution's history, text, and ongoing relevance, citizens can better comprehend the complexities of the American political system and engage in informed debates about the nation's future direction.
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Frequently asked questions
The U.S. Constitution was first presented to the public on September 19, 1787, when it was published in the newspaper, The Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser.
The U.S. Constitution was written during the Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, which took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787.
The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates.
