Constitutional Convention (may 25, 1787 – sep 17, 1787)
Description:
At the end of the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation were ratified, providing the structure for the first government of the United States. Within the first five years it became apparent that Congress's lack of power would cause the Union to dissolve, so on May 25th, 1787, delegates from every state (besides Rhode Island) gathered in Philadelphia. Three long, hot months of debate produced the federal system of government that we use today. The most divisive issue was of how Congress representatives should be chosen. In the end, the Great Compromise proposed a bicameral legislature. This new Constitution needed nine of thirteen states to ratify it in order to become a reality. The first five came easily, but convincing the rest took a lot of work.
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