Two Conventions
The Annapolis Convention and the Philadelphia Convention
Annapolis Convention
January 1786
Delegates sent to Annapolis
Trade problems?
Only 5 states came…
Need a convention with all
states
Constitutional Convention
AKA Philadelphia Convention
1787 (11 years after Declaration signed)
4 months, 55 delegates, 12 states
Come together to adopt a republican form of
government
Beginning
James Madison and George
Washington
State legislatures becoming
too oppressive, unjust,
overbearing and reckless
Invited all other delegates
to attend to discuss
amending the Articles
Who was there?
Attended
George Washington
(President of the
Conference)
James Madison
55 delegates from 12 states
Many, like Patrick Henry,
did not attend
“smelt a rat”
Rhode Island did not send
delegates
Historical Importance
Leaders of a country have declared the government
bankrupt and the people have elected representatives to
find a solution
Debate went on for months
A new government is created, not a drop of blood spilled
Alexander Hamilton: finally government was going to be
established by reflection and choice rather than force and fraud
Secrecy
Rule #1
Summertime in Philly
Wigs, suits, wool, windows
closed, drapes drawn
Delegates needed to be
honest, freely speak their
mind and change their
mind
Don’t Fix It
Rule #2
Agreed to not fix the
Articles
Develop a new Constitution
Framers- 55 delegates who
‘framed’ the government
(like framing a house)
One Vote
Rule #3
Each state gets one vote, no
matter the population
Encourages small states to
participate
5 Basic Ideas
Use page 110 and record these 5 ideas in your notebook