Malcolm Rivera
The Constitution is called the Miracle at Philadelphia due to the tumultuous and uncertain circumstances that surrounded its drafting in 1787. The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia, was marked by intense debates, clashing interests, and deep divisions among the delegates. Despite the challenges, a compromise was reached, resulting in the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. The term Miracle at Philadelphia was used by George Washington and James Madison to describe the unexpected and remarkable achievement of crafting a document that would shape the nation's future. The convention's outcome was considered a miracle given the significant obstacles and the creation of a functional federal republic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May to September 1787 |
| Location | Philadelphia |
| Premise of the Convention | Increasing dissatisfaction with the existing Confederation of States |
| Participants | 55 men, including Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine, John Adams, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington |
| Outcome | The United States Constitution |
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What You'll Learn
The birth of the US Constitution
The convention was attended by 55 delegates, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. The delegates represented different interests and perspectives, with big states against small states, and slave states against anti-slave states. Despite the intense disagreements and clashing ideas, the delegates worked together to create a plan for a functional federal republic. The convention witnessed heated debates, with delegates discussing and debating various aspects of the Constitution, including the form of government, representation, and individual rights.
Edmund Randolph's Virginia Plan, which included a single executive, a bicameral legislature, and a federal judiciary, gained broad acceptance. However, it also intensified debates over representation, with delegates from large states advocating for proportional representation based on population, while smaller states favoured equal representation in the legislature. A compromise was eventually brokered by Roger Sherman, known as the Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise, which apportioned proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal state representation in the Senate.
The process of drafting the Constitution involved weeks of debate, compromise, and concession-making. Some delegates refused to sign the document, including Randolph, and the debate moved to special ratifying conventions within the states. The Constitution went into effect with the approval of nine states in June 1788, and holdout states eventually ratified it as well. The creation of the US Constitution was a significant moment in American history, establishing a form of government with no precedent at the time and laying the foundation for democracy in the nation.
The phrase "Miracle at Philadelphia" was used to describe the Constitutional Convention by George Washington and James Madison, who marvelled at the achievement of transforming the United States into a functional federal republic. The convention was a dramatic and pivotal moment, with delegates working through intense disagreements and compromises to create a document that protected individual rights and established a stable form of government.
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A functional, durable Federal Republic
The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention or the Philadelphia Convention, was held in Philadelphia in 1787 during the American Revolutionary War. The convention resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution, a document that would protect individual rights and safeguard the fledgling democracy. The convention was attended by 55 men, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, who debated and compromised to transform the United States from a confederation into a functional, durable Federal Republic.
At the time, most people and leaders were against a strong central government and wanted to continue with a loose confederation of states. However, some, including Washington and Hamilton, pushed for a central government, a standing army, and stable economic and financial institutions. The convention faced significant disputes and intense disagreements, with clashes between big states and small states, slave states and anti-slave states, and debates over representation. Despite these challenges, the delegates worked together to create a working plan of government, signing and ratifying the Constitution.
The process of creating the Constitution was a dramatic and pivotal moment in American history. The delegates struggled to balance individual rights with the need to protect democracy. The resulting document, the United States Constitution, was a remarkable achievement and a testament to the political creativity of the time. The Constitution's stability is unparalleled, and it continues to guide America today.
The term "miracle at Philadelphia" was used by George Washington and James Madison to describe the outcome of the convention. They recognized the transformative nature of the event, which laid the foundation for a new form of government. The convention's impact was far-reaching, and it remains a pivotal moment in the history of democracy and nation-building.
The Miracle at Philadelphia, as described by Catherine Drinker Bowen in her book of the same name, captures the rich portraits of the delegates, the intense debates, and the social life surrounding the convention. It provides a vivid sense of the political discussions and the broader context of the time. Bowen's work brings to life the people and issues of that historic gathering, offering valuable insights into history, democracy, political science, and law.
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The vision of the Founding Fathers
The founding fathers of the United States Constitution had a vision for their nation that was truly remarkable. They wanted to transform the United States from a confederation into a functional, durable Federal Republic with a central government. They wanted to safeguard their fledgling democracy and protect individual rights. They wanted a standing army to defend against the rest of the world and stable economic and financial institutions. They wanted to create a document that would guide their nation and its people, and they wanted to invent political institutions that would be relied on for centuries to come.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787, also known as the Federal Convention or the Philadelphia Convention, was a pivotal moment in American history. It was a dramatic and tumultuous session, with intense debates and clashing interests. The big states were against the little ones, and the slave states were against the anti-slave states. The delegates of the convention, including George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, struggled to create a document that would realise their vision. They faced significant disputes and disagreements, but they persevered with time, compromise, and some trickery and concessions. They reached compromises, such as proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal state delegates in the Senate.
The founding fathers' vision was so remarkable that even they may not have fully grasped the far-reaching consequences and global impact of their work. Their political creativity and the stability of the Constitution they created are truly admirable. The Constitution has withstood the test of time, and the political institutions it established have remained unchanged since their invention before 1800. The founding fathers laid the foundations for democracy in America, and their principles have inspired democratic governments worldwide.
The Constitutional Convention was a truly miraculous event in history, earning it the name "The Miracle at Philadelphia." It was a miracle that the founding fathers were able to set aside their differences and come together to create a document that has guided and shaped the United States for over two centuries. Their vision and determination laid the groundwork for the nation's future and continue to inspire and influence generations to come.
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The role of George Washington
The Constitutional Convention, also known as the Philadelphia Convention, the Federal Convention, or the Grand Convention at Philadelphia, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 14 to September 17, 1787. The convention resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution and its subsequent ratification, establishing a centralized federal government. George Washington played a significant and pivotal role in this process, which earned him recognition and respect.
George Washington was a prominent figure in the Constitutional Convention and was unanimously elected as its president. Initially, Washington was reluctant to attend the convention and had to be persuaded by contemporaries such as James Madison and General Henry Knox. They believed that Washington's presence was essential due to the trust and respect he had earned during the war. Despite his attendance, Washington remained uninterested in actively participating in politics. However, his commanding presence and influence proved crucial in achieving the outcome of the convention.
Washington's primary role was to preside over the Constitutional Convention and facilitate consensus among the delegates. The group of 55 delegates consisted of passionate federalists and anti-federalists with differing views and interests. Washington worked to forge agreement and demanded complete secrecy during their controversial discussions. He observed the intense debates while sitting on a tall wooden chair on an elevated platform, a symbol of his elevated status and influence.
Washington's support for the Constitution carried significant weight. While he did not publicly express his opinions during the convention, his private letters revealed his endorsement. Federalists used his image and signature on the Constitution to promote its ratification, arguing that a virtuous figure like Washington supported it. Washington's letter of September 17, 1787, as president of the Convention to the president of Congress, was attached to the Constitution whenever it was printed. In this letter, he expressed his support for the Constitution, stating that it was the result of "a spirit of amity and of mutual deference and concession."
Washington's influence extended beyond the convention as well. After the convention, he worked tirelessly to garner support for the ratification of the Constitution. His strong backing convinced many to vote in favor of ratification, and by May 29, 1790, every state had ratified the Constitution. Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention and the subsequent ratification process demonstrated his commitment to establishing a unified and stable government for the newly independent nation.
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The delegates and their debates
The delegates of the Constitutional Convention, also known as the Federal Convention or the Philadelphia Convention, struggled to create a document that would protect individual rights and safeguard the fledgling democracy from future threats. The convention was held in Philadelphia at the historic Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall), which was built in 1776. The meeting was not referred to as a constitutional convention at the time it took place.
The convention was largely the work of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, who had both performed important logistical roles during the American Revolution. The delegates, who came from various states, brought different interests and perspectives to the table, including the big states against the little, and the slave states against the anti-slave states. Despite these differences, they worked together to create a plan for a functional, durable Federal Republic with a single executive, a bicameral legislature, and a federal judiciary.
One of the main points of debate was the matter of representation. Many delegates from large states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia wanted proportional representation based on the population of the various states, while those from smaller states wanted equal representation in the legislature for each state. A compromise was eventually brokered by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, who proposed proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal state delegates in the Senate.
Another subject of discussion was the inclusion of a Bill of Rights. The delegates also debated the terms of election for the president and the inclusion of additional states on equal grounds to the original 13. Many of the details on the specific powers of Congress and the presidency were settled by committees rather than open-floor debate. A few delegates, such as Edmund Randolph, refused to sign the Constitution, and the debate moved to special ratifying conventions within the states.
The Constitution went into effect with the approval of nine states in June 1788, and even holdouts like Virginia and New York eventually ratified it. The process by which the Constitution was created and the people involved in it, including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, have been described as "a miracle at Philadelphia" due to the political creativity and compromises that made it possible.
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Frequently asked questions
The "Miracle at Philadelphia" is a term used to describe the Constitutional Convention that took place in Philadelphia in 1787, which resulted in the creation of the United States Constitution.
The process of getting the constitution written and adopted was challenging, and at times, it seemed like it might not happen. It required time, compromise, and concessions. George Washington and James Madison, in their correspondences, referred to the outcome as a "miracle".
There was increasing dissatisfaction with the existing Confederation of States. The Articles of Confederation could not be altered or changed as it required the unanimous approval of all states. Britain, Spain, and Native Americans were invading, and there was a need to defend against the rest of the world.
The convention resulted in the birth of the Constitution of the United States, which established a single executive, a bicameral legislature, and a federal judiciary. It also laid the foundation for democracy in nation-building, with over a hundred democracies worldwide today following America's lead.
The convention was attended by 55 men, including delegates from various states, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Notable figures associated with the convention include George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Tom Paine, and John Adams.
