Philadelphia Convention

Definition

The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was a historic gathering of delegates from the American states in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and establish a new system of government for the United States. This convention played a crucial role in the development of democracy in America, as it led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Philadelphia Convention was convened in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had created a central government that was too weak to effectively govern the new nation.
2. The convention was attended by 55 delegates, including many of the Founding Fathers, such as George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.
3. The delegates debated and compromised on key issues, such as the structure of the legislative branch, the powers of the executive branch, and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.
4. The convention ultimately resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which established a stronger federal government with a system of checks and balances.
5. The Philadelphia Convention is considered a landmark event in the history of American democracy, as it laid the foundation for the creation of a more stable and effective system of government.

Review Questions

• Explain the key factors that led to the convening of the Philadelphia Convention.
  • The Philadelphia Convention was convened in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had created a central government that was too weak to effectively govern the new nation. The delegates recognized the need for a stronger federal government with the ability to address pressing issues such as national defense, economic stability, and the resolution of interstate conflicts. The convention was seen as an opportunity to address these shortcomings and establish a more robust and effective system of government for the United States.
• Describe the key compromises and debates that took place during the Philadelphia Convention.
  • The delegates at the Philadelphia Convention engaged in extensive debates and compromises on a range of issues, including the structure of the legislative branch, the powers of the executive branch, and the balance of power between the federal government and the states. For example, the delegates debated the representation of states in Congress, ultimately reaching the Connecticut Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature with a Senate representing states equally and a House of Representatives based on population. The convention also grappled with the issue of slavery, leading to the Three-Fifths Compromise, which counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of representation and taxation.
• Analyze the long-term significance of the Philadelphia Convention in the development of American democracy.
  • The Philadelphia Convention was a pivotal moment in the history of American democracy, as it laid the foundation for the creation of a stronger, more stable federal government. The drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which emerged from the convention, established a system of government with a clear separation of powers and a system of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch or entity could dominate the others. This system of government, grounded in the principles of federalism and representative democracy, has endured for over two centuries and has served as a model for democracies around the world. The Philadelphia Convention's legacy continues to shape the ongoing debates and evolution of American democracy, as the nation grapples with the balance of federal and state power, the role of the executive branch, and the protection of individual rights and liberties.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States, which established a loose confederation of sovereign states with a weak central government.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states, allowing for a balance of national and state interests.

Separation of Powers: A fundamental principle of the U.S. Constitution that divides the federal government into three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) with distinct powers and responsibilities.