1. The Constitutional Convention

2. A Meeting of the States
Shays’ Rebellion convinces many people that the Articles of Confederation aren’t working.
Representatives of the states meet in Philadelphia in May 1787.
Their goal: “to revise
the Articles of
Confederation.”

3. Key American Figures George Washington, Ben Franklin,
and James Madison were present.
John Adams was in England. Thomas
Jefferson and Thomas Paine were in France.
Patrick Henry refused to attend – “I smell a rat!”
Rhode Island refused to
send any delegates.

4. Important Decisions Only delegates will be allowed into meetings.
Guards were placed to keep out visitors and reporters.
Some delegates think the Articles of Confederation must be completely abandoned.
Others worry a new
government will turn
into another British
monarchy.

5. The Great Compromise
Combines the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
Creates 2 houses of Congress:
The Senate will have equal representation
(2 senators per state)
The House of Representatives will have representatives based on the population of the states.