The Constitutional Convention of 1787, held in Philadelphia, was initially called to amend the Articles of Confederation but quickly evolved into drafting an entirely new Constitution for the United States

. Fifty-five delegates from twelve states (Rhode Island did not participate) attended, including prominent figures like George Washington, who presided over the convention, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and others

. Key events and outcomes of the convention include:

• Debate over representation: Large states favored representation based on population (Virginia Plan), while small states wanted equal representation (New Jersey Plan). The conflict was resolved by the Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise), which created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate

• Structure of government: The Constitution established three branches of government-legislative, executive, and judicial-with a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful

• Executive branch: Delegates debated whether to have a single president or a committee, how the president would be elected, term length, and impeachment grounds. Ultimately, a single president was chosen, with limited veto power subject to override by Congress

• Slavery issues: Contentious debates addressed the counting of slaves for representation (resulting in the Three-Fifths Compromise), protection of the slave trade until 1808, and the fugitive slave clause

• Commerce and trade: Compromises allowed regulation of commerce without requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses, balancing Northern and Southern interests

• Final document: After months of debate and drafting, the Constitution was finalized by a Committee of Style, signed by 39 delegates on September 17, 1787, and then sent to the states for ratification

The Constitution created a stronger federal government with more specific powers than the Articles of Confederation and laid the foundation for the United States government as it exists today

. Ratification required approval by nine of the thirteen states, which was achieved after intense political debate aided by the Federalist Papers

. In summary, the 1787 Constitutional Convention produced the U.S. Constitution, a new framework of government balancing state and federal powers, establishing three branches, and resolving key disputes over representation and slavery through compromise. This event is considered one of the most significant in American history