Rough Draft:
The Constitutional Convention, a pivotal event in American history, was called to order in Philadelphia in May 1787. The seeds of this important gathering were initially planted during the Potomac Conference held at George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. This conference, attended by delegates from Virginia and Maryland, aimed to address trade agreements on the Potomac River. It proved to be a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive meeting on trade, which took place in Annapolis in 1786. Five states participated in this general conference and agreed to adopt a resolution, urging Congress to convene a convention with the purpose of revising the current Articles of Confederation.
Responding to this call, Congress issued a mandate for all states to send delegates to Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. A total of twelve states, excluding Rhode Island, sent 55 delegates to participate in the Convention. Prominent figures like George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, and Alexander Hamilton graced this historic event, while Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were absent, fulfilling diplomatic duties in Europe. Interestingly, figures such as Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams were not elected, and Patrick Henry declined to serve, fearing a decline in the authority of individual states in favor of a stronger national government.
With the Convention underway, George Washington was elected as its presiding officer. As he chaired the meetings, a painting depicting a sun, positioned low on the horizon, stood behind him. Benjamin Franklin, contemplating the significance of this symbol, pondered whether it represented a rising or setting sun for the United States. James Madison, regarded as the Father of the Constitution, played a crucial role in shaping the Convention, diligently taking notes to preserve its proceedings. As a measure to foster free and open discussions, these notes, along with others, were kept confidential for several years to shield the delegates from potential repercussions.
make this into a rough draft. The Constitutional Convention Convenes
An illustration shows George Washington presiding over a meeting of delegates.
The Potomac Conference was held at the Mount Vernon estate of George Washington. Washington was a respected general who led the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Delegates from Virginia and Maryland met to work out agreements for trade on the Potomac River. This led to a general conference on trade, held at Annapolis in 1786. These delegates, from five states, adopted a resolution asking Congress to call a general convention of all states to revise the Articles of Confederation.
Congress issued a call for all states to send delegates to a general convention to be held in Philadelphia beginning in May 1787. This meeting became the Constitutional Convention.
Twelve states sent 55 delegates, but Rhode Island refused to send anyone. Some of the leading citizens in the nation attended, including George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, and Alexander Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were in Europe, representing the nation as ambassadors. Other leading figures like Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams were not elected. Patrick Henry refused to serve. He said that he "smelled a rat," because he feared the states were going to lose a great amount of their power to the national government.
George Washington was elected to preside over the convention. Behind him as he presided over the meetings was a painting of a sun, low on the horizon. Franklin wondered if it was a rising sun or a setting sun for the United States. James Madison is often called the Father of the Constitution, because of his enormous contributions at the convention, and for the notes that he took. These notes and all other notes were kept secret for several years, because the delegates wanted to speak freely, without fear of reprisal.
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