Philadelphia Convention (Constitutional Convention) Notes
What was its original purpose?
Improve the Articles of the Confederation
What kind of
people attended?
(Characteristics)
Men
Young
Average Age 42
Leaders in their states
Some rich
Revolutionary War Veterans
1.
2.
3.
Philadelphia
Conventions
Begins
May 25, 1787
Which groups of
people were NOT
represented?
Women
African Americans
Native Americans
Poor Farmers
Rhode Island
What 3 things did the delegates agree to do?
Write a new constitution
Keep the record of what happened a secret
Give each state 1 vote
What 5 basic ideas about government did the delegates agree
upon for the new constitution?
1. Government should have limited powers
2. The purpose of the government is to protect the rights of the people
3. Strong National Government
4. Republican Government – people elect representatives
5. Separation of Powers/ Checks & Balance
List important delegates who were
at the Convention:
1.
2.
3.
4.
James Madison
George Washington
Ben Franklin
Governor Morris
List important delegates who were NOT at the
Convention and explain why they weren’t there.
1. Patrick Henry – against a strong national government
2. Thomas Jefferson – In France
3. John Adams – In England