In February 1787, Congress decided, that a convention (the Constitutional Convention) should be convened to revise the Articles of Confederation (the nation’s first constitution). The Articles of Confederation lasted from 1776 until 1789. The Articles established a weak central government and placed most powers in the hands of the states and this resulted in the U.S. economy faltered ( to stall or weakened), since the central government lacked the power to enforce tax laws or regulate commerce (trading, buying, or selling of goods).

In May, 55 delegates came to Philadelphia, and the Constitutional Convention began. Debates erupted over:

representation in Congress
state vs. federal power
slavery
the new executive branch (how to elect the president)

The debates continued through four hot and muggy months. Eventually the delegates reached compromises, and on September 17, 1787 they produced the U.S. Constitution, replacing the Articles with the governing document that has functioned effectively to this day.

Learn more about the specific debates that erupted during the Constitutional Convention by selecting the link below.

Additional Resources:

The Major Debates

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