The Constitutional Convention is Called
8th Grade Informational Reading Texts
The founding fathers had a difficult task ahead of them when they decided they needed to fix the Articles of Confederation. Many realized that if they did not strengthen the government's power, everything they fought so hard to save in the American Revolution would be lost.
The Founding Fathers or Framers returned to the drawing board during the Constitutional Convention to create the government that continues to govern the nation today. Those that worked on creating the Constitution of the United States were called "Framers" because their main task was to build the framework of the country for the generations that would follow.
The Constitution is unique and has been working for the country's citizens for over 200 years. The original document is located in the National Archives in Washington DC. It is a living document because the country can make changes to the original document to fit the times and needs of the country and its citizens. Amazingly enough, the Constitution has only had 27 changes or amendments. The founding fathers were more on the mark with creating a lasting government then anyone could have ever predicted.
The Constitutional Convention took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia was chosen to hold the convention. The plan was that those working on drafting a more effective government document would do so without any public intervention. The convention ran from May to September 1787. Delegates arrived by horseback or carriage on rough roads.
Twelve states sent delegates or representatives to the convention. Rhode Island was the only state choosing to not have any representation. A total of 55 delegates were pooled together in one room to create a lasting form of government. Some of the delegates who made substantial contributions to the document were: James Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were both absent at the convention because they were serving overseas during this time. It is amazing that the delegates ranged in age from 26 to 81. No women, slaves, Indigenous Peoples or minorities were invited to be part of the convention--only the "well-bred, well-fed, well-read, well-led, and well-wed."
So much is known about the convention because of James Madison. Madison was famous for the detailed notes he took during the convention. Not only did he leave a record of the convention, he shared his knowledge of other governments with the other members of the convention. Madison had studied other governments and his influence at the convention was the first of many ways that Madison helped develop the country. He would also contribute greatly to the drafting of the Bill of Rights, as well as some of the Federalist Papers and The Virginia Plan with regard to representation in Congress at the federal level.
The Founding Fathers or Framers returned to the drawing board during the Constitutional Convention to create the government that continues to govern the nation today. Those that worked on creating the Constitution of the United States were called "Framers" because their main task was to build the framework of the country for the generations that would follow.
The Constitution is unique and has been working for the country's citizens for over 200 years. The original document is located in the National Archives in Washington DC. It is a living document because the country can make changes to the original document to fit the times and needs of the country and its citizens. Amazingly enough, the Constitution has only had 27 changes or amendments. The founding fathers were more on the mark with creating a lasting government then anyone could have ever predicted.
The Constitutional Convention took place at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia was chosen to hold the convention. The plan was that those working on drafting a more effective government document would do so without any public intervention. The convention ran from May to September 1787. Delegates arrived by horseback or carriage on rough roads.
Twelve states sent delegates or representatives to the convention. Rhode Island was the only state choosing to not have any representation. A total of 55 delegates were pooled together in one room to create a lasting form of government. Some of the delegates who made substantial contributions to the document were: James Madison, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were both absent at the convention because they were serving overseas during this time. It is amazing that the delegates ranged in age from 26 to 81. No women, slaves, Indigenous Peoples or minorities were invited to be part of the convention--only the "well-bred, well-fed, well-read, well-led, and well-wed."
So much is known about the convention because of James Madison. Madison was famous for the detailed notes he took during the convention. Not only did he leave a record of the convention, he shared his knowledge of other governments with the other members of the convention. Madison had studied other governments and his influence at the convention was the first of many ways that Madison helped develop the country. He would also contribute greatly to the drafting of the Bill of Rights, as well as some of the Federalist Papers and The Virginia Plan with regard to representation in Congress at the federal level.