Homework Help: Social Studies: U.S. History: Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia in May, 1787. Its purpose was to discuss ways to revise or rewrite the Articles of Confederation. Here is a specific time of the Constitutional Convention:

• May 14, 1787, in Philadelphia, delegates from each state begin to arrive for the convention. But not all delegates finally arrived until May 24, 1787.
• Rhode Island decide they won't send a delegate because they want nothing to do with creating a stronger central government.
• Patrick Henry also decides to stay away because he "smells a rat in Philadelphia, tending toward Monarchy."
• Delegates decide they need privacy in the convention, so they have all of the windows and doors closed with guards posted at each one.
• James Madison (who was actually the first one to arrive at the convention) starts to present his new idea of government, known as the Virginia Plan.
• The delegates don't agree on the Virginia Plan, and set it aside for the other plans of government.
• On June 15, William Paterson from New Jersey presents the New Jersey Plan.
• The New Jersey Plan is considered a great idea, but is also set aside for compromising.
• On July 2, the convention selects a "grand committee." Finally, a compromise is made and the Great Compromise is made by the delegates as another brand new idea.
• The Three-fifths Compromise is created and agreed on as part of the Great Compromise.
• On September 17, 1787, 39 delegates sign the new Constitution put together in the convention.

More Facts about the Constitutional Convention

• 55 men had attended
• lasted from May to September
• delegates were known as the "Founding Fathers"
• most delegates were in their 30s to 40s in age
• George Washington was the one chosen to preside over the meetings

Homework Help: Social Studies: U.S. History

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