| − | The '''Constitutional Convention''' was held between May and September 1787 in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] to deal with the glaring weaknesses with the [[Articles of Confederation]]. Rather that revise the Articles of Confederation, the delegates at the Convention quickly decided to replace it with a new constitution. Famous patriots in attendance included [[Benjamin Franklin]], [[James Madison]], [[John Jay]], [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[George Washington]], [[George Mason]]. Absent were [[John Hancock]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[John Adams]], and [[Patrick Henry]]. | + | The '''Constitutional Convention''' was held from May 25 to September 17, 1787, in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] to deal with the glaring weaknesses with the [[Articles of Confederation]]. Rather that revise the Articles of Confederation, the delegates at the Convention quickly decided to replace it with a new constitution. Famous patriots in attendance included [[Benjamin Franklin]], [[James Madison]], [[John Jay]], [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[George Washington]], [[George Mason]]. Absent were [[John Hancock]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[John Adams]], and [[Patrick Henry]]. |
| | With [[George Washington]] presiding, the 55 delegates met in secret in Philadelphia and drafted a new document. Rather than revise the current Articles, Madison promptly declared that any confederacy was doomed to failure. The Constitution was approved by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. After intense debate all 13 states ratified (some with the provision that a [[Bill of Rights]] be added) and the new government took office in March, 1789, with George Washington as the first president. | | With [[George Washington]] presiding, the 55 delegates met in secret in Philadelphia and drafted a new document. Rather than revise the current Articles, Madison promptly declared that any confederacy was doomed to failure. The Constitution was approved by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. After intense debate all 13 states ratified (some with the provision that a [[Bill of Rights]] be added) and the new government took office in March, 1789, with George Washington as the first president. |