Constitutional Convention Overview

Overview

This lecture covers the events leading up to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, key figures involved, and the circumstances that influenced the creation of the United States Constitution.

Problems under the Articles of Confederation

• The states acted like separate nations, each with independent trade and foreign policies.
• The Articles of Confederation created a weak federal government with little power.
• Calls for reform grew due to concerns about national stability and effective governance.

Early Attempts at Reform

• The Mount Vernon Conference (1785) between Virginia and Maryland successfully established common trade laws.
• Inspired by Mount Vernon, Alexander Hamilton called for a national convention to revise the Articles, leading to the Annapolis Convention (1786).
• Only five states attended the Annapolis Convention, highlighting reluctance to alter state sovereignty.

Shays' Rebellion and Its Impact

• Shays’ Rebellion (1786–87) was led by indebted Massachusetts farmers attempting to prevent farm foreclosures.
• The rebellion exposed the national government’s inability to respond to internal crises due to the lack of a federal army or taxation power.
• The event alarmed influential Americans and spurred most states to send delegates to a new convention in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia (Constitutional) Convention

• The 1787 Convention shifted its goal from amending the Articles to creating an entirely new government.
• All states except Rhode Island sent delegates; 39 of 55 ultimately signed the new Constitution.
• Delegates, or "framers," were elite, educated, white males, many with Revolutionary War credentials.

Characteristics and Dynamics of the Framers

• The framers’ diverse personalities and ideologies created a critical balance, enabling compromise.
• Politics was conducted face-to-face, fostering trust and willingness to compromise.
• Slavery was deliberately removed from the main agenda to ensure progress in forming a new government.
• The framers were conscious of their historical legacy and how future generations would judge them.

Key Delegates at the Convention

• George Washington: Presided over the convention, lending legitimacy and public trust.
• Benjamin Franklin: Acted as a calming influence during heated debates.
• Roger Sherman: Brokered the Connecticut (Great) Compromise, saving the convention.
• James Madison: Authored the Virginia Plan, served as secretary, and is known as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role and thorough notes.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Articles of Confederation — The first U.S. national government framework, known for its weakness.
• Mount Vernon Conference — 1785 meeting between Virginia and Maryland to resolve trade issues.
• Annapolis Convention — 1786 meeting intended to revise the Articles; poorly attended.
• Shays’ Rebellion — 1786–87 uprising by Massachusetts farmers, highlighting governmental weakness.
• Framers — Delegates who created the U.S. Constitution.
• Connecticut (Great) Compromise — Agreement blending large and small state interests at the convention.
• Virginia Plan — Madison’s proposal for a strong national government, influencing the final Constitution.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review Madison’s notes from the Constitutional Convention for detailed debate accounts.
• Prepare to discuss the Connecticut Compromise and its significance in the next session.