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Constitutional Convention Dbq

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The creation of the United States Constitution stands as one of the most significant achievements in the annals of democracy. In the wake of independence, the fledgling nation found itself governed by the Articles of Confederation, a document that proved inadequate for the complexities of a growing union. The Constitutional Convention of 1787, convened in Philadelphia, was charged with the monumental task of forging a new framework of governance. The delegates, a collection of some of the most prominent figures of their time, engaged in fervent debates that touched on the very essence of federal authority, individual rights, and the delicate balance of power between the states and the central government. The resulting document, a testament …show more content…

This recommendation was endorsed by the Confederation Congress, and all states except Rhode Island agreed to send delegates. Key figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton were instrumental in pushing for the convention and shaping the agenda for a new constitution. The convergence of these issues and events created a sense of urgency that led to the Constitutional Convention, which convened in May 1787 in Philadelphia. The goal was to create a new framework for the government that would be capable of addressing the challenges faced by the young nation. The Annapolis meeting, although poorly attended, was pivotal as it led to the call for a broader convention to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. This call for a grand convention was heeded, and in May 1787, delegates from twelve of the thirteen states (Rhode Island being the exception) convened in Philadelphia with the initial aim of revising the Articles. However, it soon became evident that revision would not be sufficient, and a complete overhaul was necessary. The Philadelphia Convention, now known as the Constitutional Convention, brought …show more content…

Ideas from European philosophers like John Locke, who advocated for the social contract and government as a protector of natural rights, and Montesquieu, who proposed the separation of powers, were integral to the Constitution's principles. The Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights were significant influences, emphasizing the rule of law and the rights of individuals. Some historians argue that the democratic practices of the Iroquois Confederacy, a group of Native American tribes, influenced the federalist concepts in the Constitution. The experiences of the states with their own constitutions provided practical examples of what worked and what did not, informing the debate and decisions at the convention. These key players and influences combined to create a document that balanced power between the states and the federal government, established a system of checks and balances, and safeguarded individual liberties, all while allowing for flexibility. The Constitutional Convention brought together delegates from twelve of the thirteen states (Rhode Island abstained), representing a diverse array of backgrounds, ideologies, and

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