The Constitutional Convention Unofficially Begins
Officially, the convention in Philadelphia in 1787 began on May 25th. However, some delegates were already at work on May 14th.
September 17th, 1787, is one of the most significant dates in the early history of the United States. It was on this day the Framers of the Constitution signed the Constitution of the United States. However, this radical and complex new document wasn't created overnight. It took months of meetings and debates stretching back to May that year.
The government knew the Articles of Confederation weren't suitable for the nation and needed to create a better alternative. So, they invited influential leaders and politicians from across the 13 states to meet for the Philadelphia Convention. The event would take place at the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall, and they wouldn't finish until there was a resolution.
The idea was that with all the best minds in the country convened in this central location, they couldn't fail to come up with a better plan. They did eventually agree on the new Constitution, but only after a lengthy debate. There were a lot of big names and egos in that building. Virginia sent national hero George Washington, and fellow future president James Madison joined him. Also in attendance were Alexander Hamilton from New York and Benjamin Franklin from Pennsylvania.
Many historical records say the Constitutional Convention didn't start until May 25th. This is accurate in as much as this was when the first official business took place. However, the starting date was scheduled for May 14th. Those who arrived on the right date didn't waste time making the most of their opportunity.
Representatives from Virginia and Pennsylvania were keen to get started, and James Madison quickly took charge. He wanted to set the agenda and began working on the Virginia Plan. This plan was the first draft of measures to create a new system to replace the Articles of Confederation. The plan and the subsequent alternative proposals focused on a new form of government with a system of checks and balances and an Executive Branch. Virginia was able to present the plan on May 29th, with South Carolina offering their own version the same day.
The reason for the staggered arrival time was simply because some parties had to travel so far to get there. There were enough delegates by the 25th to create a full quorum of seven states, which was sufficient for official meetings and debates. There should have been delegates from all 13 colonies for a full and fair representation across the new United States. However, New Hampshire didn't make it until July 23rd and Rhode Island didn't send anyone at all.
Eventually, there were 55 delegates attended the sessions of the Constitutional Convention through the summer of 1787. 70 had been appointed, but the remaining 15 either declined or failed to make it. By September, those 55 representatives from 12 states finally came to an agreement on the final Consitution. 39 of those men signed their names on September 17th, and the long process was over.