Philadelphia Convention

Definition

Also known as Constitutional Convention held in 1787, the Philadelphia Convention was a meeting where delegates from twelve of the thirteen states gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they ended up drafting a new Constitution for the United States.

Related terms

James Madison: He is known as "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in drafting and promoting the U.S. Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention.

Articles of Confederation: This was America's first constitution which created a weak central government and gave more power to individual states.

Great Compromise: Also known as Connecticut Compromise, it proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in one house (House of Representatives) and equal representation in another (Senate).