​The Constitutional Convention

​In 1787, 55 delegates from 12 of the 13 states (every state except Rhode Island) attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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They met to amend (make changes to) the Articles of Confederation. However, in order to amend the Articles of Confederation all 13 states would have to agree. Only 12 states showed up so this was impossible. They eventually decided to scrap the Articles of Confederation and make a new constitution 

​Vocabulary

The men who wrote the Constitution are referred to by  several different names. These include:

Delegates - A representative sent to a conference. 

Framers - A person who shapes a concept or plan. 

Founding Fathers - The men who created the U.S. government 

​Framers of the Constitution

• ​All delegates at the Constitutional Convention were white men, most were very wealthy and well-educated and more than half were lawyers and had previous government experience.

• More than half of the delegates were slave owners.

​Framers of the Constitution

• The delegates included some well-known patriots such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams did not attend because they were in other countries handling important business for the U.S. 

• However, some famous patriots intentionally did not come such as Patrick Henry. There were many Americans who did not want the Articles of Confederation to be changed.

President of the Convention

• George Washington was chosen to be the president of the convention because he was respected by many and viewed as a unifying person.

Father of the Constitution

• James Madison took many notes at the convention, and would eventually go on to write most of the Constitution. This is why he is called “The Father of the Constitution” today. 

​Compromise at the Constitutional Convention

• ​The delegates at the Constitutional Convention had many different ideas on how the new government should be set up. The debates lasted for 3 months!

• ​The only way for them to be able to create a Constitution that could be passed by a majority of states was to work together and make compromises

A compromise is when two different sides disagree but come to a middle ground where they can both get something they want.​

​Turn & Talk

​What is an example of a compromise that you have made with someone or that you have seen happen?

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​Remember in order for it to be a true compromise, both sides must get some of what they want (both sides meet in the middle)