What Happened at the Philadelphia Convention? An Inside Look into the Birth of America’s Constitution

Introduction:

The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention of 1787, was a crucial event in American history that laid the groundwork for the birth of the United States Constitution. This gathering of brilliant minds, held in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, aimed to address the many issues and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Over the course of several months, the delegates engaged in intense debates, compromises, and negotiations that ultimately shaped the foundation of our nation. In this article, we will delve into the key events that took place during the convention and the significant decisions that emerged.

Setting the Stage:

The Philadelphia Convention brought together some of the most prominent figures in American history, including Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. Faced with the realization that the existing system of governance was insufficient, these delegates were determined to create a more effective and balanced framework to govern the newly formed United States.

Debates, Disagreements, and Compromises:

One major point of contention during the convention was the representation of states in the legislative branch. The smaller states feared being overshadowed by their larger counterparts, while the larger states argued for representation based on population. Eventually, the Great Compromise emerged, forming a bicameral legislature that satisfied both concerns: the House of Representatives provided proportional representation based on population, whereas the Senate ensured equal representation for each state.

Another heated debate arose over the issue of slavery. Although many delegates recognized the moral imperative to abolish slavery, reaching a consensus proved challenging. Finally, a compromise was reached: the Three-Fifths Compromise, which determined that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of representation in Congress.

Balancing Power:

The Philadelphia Convention was not only concerned with representation but also sought to establish a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government. The framers endeavored to prevent tyranny by dividing power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This separation of powers ensured that no single individual or branch would have absolute authority, safeguarding the liberties of the people.

The Ratification Process:

Once the Constitution was drafted, it faced another hurdle in the form of ratification. Deliberations on whether the proposed Constitution would be accepted or rejected took place in various state conventions. The Federalist Papers, a series of essays co-authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, played a crucial role in swaying public opinion in favor of ratification.

Conclusion:

The Philadelphia Convention was a momentous event that demonstrated the ability of diverse minds to come together and forge a path forward despite differing perspectives. The delegates’ commitment to compromise and their unwavering dedication to the greater good laid the foundation for the framework of governance that has endured for more than two centuries.

The legacy of the Philadelphia Convention is reflected in the United States Constitution, which remains a beacon of democracy and continues to guide and inspire nations around the world. The convention’s deliberations and compromises set the stage for a government that values individual rights, checks and balances, and the ability to adapt and grow with the changing times.

George Washington was nominated as the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Earning both notoriety and respect as a result of his service as the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, George Washington was held in the highest esteem throughout the United States both as a general and as a patriot.

However, according to historical records, no one was more surprised than George Washington himself when he was nominated to preside over the Constitutional Convention by Pennsylvania delegate Robert Morris.

Even in his personal records, George Washington expressed bewilderment as a result of his unanimous nomination as Chairman of the Constitutional Convention. His bewilderment manifested as a result of his self-perceived lack of aptitude required to chair such a conference. Initially, he declined the nomination, but as a result of the unanimous insistence on the part of all of the delegates sent to the Constitutional Convention, he eventually accepted the position to chair the Constitutional Convention.

Despite his concerns regarding the lack of his own political experience, George Washington assumed the role of Chairman of the Constitutional Convention. However, the delegates sent to participate in the Constitutional Convention unanimously agreed that he was an ideal candidate for the position. Though he was not wholly versed in political theory, it was his undying dedication and devotion to the prosperity of the United States of America that inspired his fellow delegates to demand that he chair the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention.

In addition, the fact that George Washington did not align himself with any single sect of political thought, coupled with his eternal patriotism, made him both a reliable and objective choice. The delegates trusted that he would conduct the Constitutional Convention under the pretense that the best interest of the citizens of the United States of America would take precedence above all other matters.

Furthermore, George Washington’s military service guaranteed his passion for all matters concerning the well-being, as well as the solubility, of the United States of America. He had led the Continental Army for the entirety of the Revolutionary War, and as a result, had witnessed the ultimate sacrifice on the part of his troops – the consent to give their lives for their country. This was a matter that George Washington held above all others. His patriotic fervor would ensure that any casualties suffered in the War of Independence would not be in vain. As a commander in the Continental Army, he was well aware that it was the citizens of the United States – not the central government – who had earned the nation’s independence from the British monarchy.

Although in theory, there existed more qualified candidates to be nominated with the honor of presiding over the Constitutional Convention, it was his patriotism, dedication, and service that established George Washington as the unanimous candidate to chair the Constitutional Convention.