Delegates gathered in 1787 for the Constitutional Convention to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which was the first governing document of the United States. The Articles had created a loose confederation of states with a central government that lacked the authority to effectively govern. Issues such as economic instability, interstate conflicts, and the inability to raise revenue or maintain a standing army highlighted the need for a stronger national government.
The main goals of the convention included:
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Strengthening the Central Government: Delegates aimed to create a more robust federal structure that could regulate trade, manage national defense, and enforce laws.
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Creating a System of Checks and Balances: In order to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, delegates sought to implement a system that would divide power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
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Establishing a Framework for Representation: Debates about how states would be represented in the new government led to the creation of a bicameral legislature, balancing the needs of both populous and smaller states.
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Addressing Slavery and Other Social Issues: The issue of slavery and its implications for representation and taxation were also significant topics of discussion.
Ultimately, the Constitutional Convention resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution, establishing the framework for the federal government as it exists today.
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