The Constitutional Convention
Problems under the Articles of Confederation: By the mid 1780’s, the
new United States was facing many problems. Relations with foreign
countries were strained, Native Americans were causing conflict along
American boarders, and the country was in a state of economic unrest.
Shay’s Rebellion: In 1786, a group of Massachusetts farmers who were
being hurt by falling crop prices picked up their muskets and gathered in
front of courthouses where hearings were being held over which farms to
shut down. The angry demonstrations struck fear into the hearts of the
government. Massachusetts responded to the farmers’ challenge by
sending a small army into the backcountry to restore order. After a few violent skirmishes,
Shay’s Rebellion was crushed and its leader arrested. Such disorder led Americans to
question the country under the Articles of Confederation. In 1787, Congress called a
meeting of delegates from the 13 states to meet in Philadelphia “for the sole purpose of
revising the Articles of Confederation.”
Philadelphia Convention Hall: In May of 1787, delegates met in
Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania State House. The summer of 1787
was the hottest in memory. Each day, members of the Convention
would arrive, dressed in their woolen suits, and suffer and sweat
through the heat. The Convention lasted until September, when
delegates finally came to an agreement.
Constitutional Convention: Delegates from 12 states attended
the Convention in Philadelphia. Almost all were wealthy, or at
least comfortably well off. They came from established families
and had all married well. They were well educated. About a
dozen were planters or large-scale farmers, another dozen
lawyers, and still another dozen state officeholders. Over a third
owned slaves.
George Washington was elected chairman of the Convention. In his role, Washington could
not participate in the debates, but his presence and quiet authority served to calm the
tempers and keep the conference on track. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest member of
the Convention. At 82, Franklin was suffering through the pains of old age. The best
prepared delegate was James Madison of Virginia. Before the Convention, Madison studied
books on government and brought ideas to contribute to the discussions. Throughout the
Convention, he took detailed notes, managing to record every debate. It is from Madison’s
notes that we know what went on inside the Convention day by day.