what was the initial purpose of the constitutional convention
The initial purpose of the Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia in 1787, was to revise the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were the first governing document of the newly formed United States, but by the mid-1780s, it was becoming clear that there were several deficiencies in the system of government it established. The central government under the Articles was weak and lacked the authority and ability to address the economic and political challenges facing the nation.
To understand the initial purpose of the Constitutional Convention, you can follow these steps:
1. Begin by studying the historical context of the time. The United States had recently won its independence from Great Britain and was struggling to establish a functional government.
2. Research the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. These weaknesses included a lack of centralized power, an inability to regulate commerce and trade effectively, and a lack of authority to levy taxes.
3. Read up on the growing concerns among the population and among political leaders about the weaknesses of the Articles and the need for a stronger national government.
4. Investigate important events that led up to the Constitutional Convention, such as Shays' Rebellion, an armed uprising of farmers in Massachusetts that demonstrated the weaknesses of the national government.
5. Learn about key individuals who played significant roles in calling for and organizing the Convention, such as James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.
6. Understand that although the intent was initially to revise the Articles of Confederation, the Convention ultimately decided to draft a new constitution, which became the foundation for the government of the United States that still exists today.
By following these steps and conducting further research, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the initial purpose of the Constitutional Convention.