The Constitutional Convention May 25,1787-September 17,1787

Who, When, and Where On May 25, 1787, 55 delegates, representing the states, met at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, which is now known as Independence Hall. Notable delegates included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison

Rules There were only two rules guiding the Convention 1. All proceedings would be kept secret (not published until 1840) 2. All topics were up for debate for the entire convention.

Goals of the Convention The Delegates were convinced of the need for a stronger national government, but there was much debate over what powers that government should have and how people should be represented.

Problems that needed to be addressed The first question facing the delegates was whether to attempt to amend the Articles of Confederation or to throw out the Articles and create a new framework of government. The decision was made early on to create a new framework embodied in a new national constitution.

Problems Once the drafting of the Constitution had begun, it became clear that the major stumbling blocks to agreement on a governmental system would be ◦What is role of the executive branch? (How much power?) ◦How should representation in the legislative branch be determined?

Compromise The Convention can best be described as a series of compromises over ◦What powers to grant the national government ◦What powers to deny the national government ◦How the legislative branch can balance the interests of large states and small states ◦How much power the president should have ◦How to balance the power of states with the power of the national government