Philadelphia Convention

Introduction

The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, was a seminal event in American history that took place from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The primary purpose of the convention was to address the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, which had governed the United States since its independence from Great Britain. The convention ultimately resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution, which established the framework for the federal government and has since become a cornerstone of American law and governance.

Background

Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation, ratified in 1781, served as the first constitution of the United States. However, the Articles created a weak central government that lacked the authority to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws. This led to numerous problems, including financial instability, interstate conflicts, and an inability to respond effectively to internal and external threats. The need for a stronger federal government became increasingly apparent, prompting calls for a convention to revise the Articles.

Annapolis Convention

In September 1786, delegates from five states met in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss the issues facing the nation under the Articles of Confederation. The Annapolis Convention concluded that a more comprehensive meeting was necessary to address the shortcomings of the Articles. Consequently, they issued a report calling for a convention to be held in Philadelphia the following year.

Delegates and Organization

Attendance

The Philadelphia Convention was attended by 55 delegates representing 12 of the 13 states; Rhode Island did not send any delegates. The delegates included prominent figures such as George Washington, who was elected president of the convention, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin. These individuals brought a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the convention, contributing to the depth and complexity of the debates.

Rules and Procedures

The delegates agreed on several key procedural rules to guide their deliberations. Meetings were held in secret to encourage open and honest discussion. Each state delegation had one vote, and decisions required a majority vote. The convention also established committees to address specific issues and draft proposals.

Major Issues and Debates

Representation

One of the most contentious issues at the convention was the question of representation in the new federal government. The Virginia Plan, proposed by James Madison, called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. This plan favored larger states. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, called for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

The Great Compromise

The deadlock over representation was resolved by the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise. This agreement, proposed by Roger Sherman, established a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state. This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states and was crucial to the success of the convention.

Slavery

Slavery was another divisive issue at the convention. Southern states, where slavery was integral to the economy, sought to protect the institution and ensure that slaves were counted for purposes of representation. Northern states, where slavery was less prevalent, opposed these demands. The Three-Fifths Compromise was reached, stipulating that each slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxation purposes.

Executive Power

The delegates also debated the structure and powers of the executive branch. Some favored a single executive, while others feared that this would lead to tyranny. The compromise was the creation of a single President with significant powers but subject to checks and balances, including the ability to be impeached and removed from office.

Ratification

The convention concluded with the drafting of the United States Constitution, which was signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787. The Constitution required ratification by nine of the thirteen states to become effective. This process involved intense debate and the eventual addition of the Bill of Rights to address concerns about individual liberties.

Impact and Legacy

The Philadelphia Convention had a profound impact on the development of the United States. The Constitution established a federal system of government with a separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It also created a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. The Constitution has been amended 27 times, reflecting its ability to adapt to changing circumstances while providing a stable framework for governance.

References

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