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The '''Constitutional Convention''' wrote the '''[[United States Constitution]]'''. It was held between May and September of 1787 in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] to discuss problems with the [[Articles of Confederation]]. 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''' wrote the '''[[United States Constitution]]'''. It was held between May and September of 1787 in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] to deal with the glaring weaknesses with the [[Articles of Confederation]]. 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. It was approved by Congress and sent to the states for ratification.  All 13 states ratified and the new government took office in March, 1789, with George Washington as 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. It 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.

The Constitution was written at the time most states had written new constitutions. They all reflected the basic American political value of [[republicanism]].

The Constitution was written at the time most states had written new constitutions, so constitution-making was a well-known process. They all reflected the basic American political value of [[republicanism]].  Conservatives hail it as a great triumph.

==Demand for reform==

==Demand for reform==