The original purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was to amend the Articles of Confederation, specifically to strengthen the executive branch of government. The Articles had limited executive power and resulted in various problems for the newly independent United States. However, soon after the Convention began, the delegates decided instead to draft an entirely new constitution to create a stronger, more effective national government. This led to the creation of the United States Constitution as the new framework of government, replacing the Articles of Confederation altogether.