The Constitutional Convention 1A TARAN Gupta miles rockrow jaydyn crawford
Some background Info.
Our countries constitution has gone through many changes over the year. Before May 14 1787, America's constitution was called the Articles of Confederation(AOC).
Constitutional Convention
The constitutional convention is where delegates from all states(except Rhode Island) meet to draft the constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. The convention was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; it took place between May and September of 1787. The delegates wanted the people of the country to be free. They didn't want the government to be too powerful, but stronger than before.
The Great Compromise
During the Constitutional Convention, Edmund Randolph, from Virginia, came up with the Virginia Plan. It stated that there are two houses, with each state getting a different number of representatives based on population. At the same time, William Paterson, from New Jersey came up with the New Jersey plan, and he wanted each state to have equal representation, with each state having two senators. After relentless arguing, the delegates from Connecticut came up with the Great Comprimise, and that merged the two plans into one so there are two houses: one with equal representation, and one with representation based on population.
This is the Executive Branch. Their main job is to enforce the laws. It is made up of the President, Vice President, and 51 Cabinet members.
This is the Legislative Branch. Their main job is to make laws. It consists of the Senate and the Hose of Representatives, with 435 members total.
This is the Judicial Branch. their main job is to to interpret the laws. It consists of 9 justices on three different levels; city, state, and national.
Checks and balances controls the government so no one branch has too much power. Each branch has it own power to approve and veto bills, ideas, and laws.
The End of the Convention
The Consitution was signed on September 17, 1787 by 40 people. The Constitution was ratified, which means to approve something formally. The Constitution had to be approved by at least nine of the thirteen states, and it was.
As you can see, many events took place for America to have the Constitution ratified.