key term - 1787

Definition

1787 marks a pivotal year in American history when the United States Constitution was drafted during the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia. This event occurred as a direct response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had created a decentralized government that struggled to maintain order, levy taxes, and regulate commerce. The year symbolizes a turning point, as delegates aimed to create a stronger federal government that could effectively address the nation's challenges.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitutional Convention took place from May to September 1787 and resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which was signed on September 17.
2. The delegates at the convention included influential figures such as George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, who contributed to shaping the new government structure.
3. One major outcome of 1787 was the establishment of a federal system of government that balanced power between national and state governments, addressing concerns from various states about centralized authority.
4. The Constitution created a framework for a strong executive branch led by a President, contrasting sharply with the weak leadership under the Articles of Confederation.
5. The ratification process required nine out of thirteen states to agree to the new Constitution, leading to debates between Federalists, who supported it, and Anti-Federalists, who opposed it.

Review Questions

• How did the events of 1787 address the challenges posed by the Articles of Confederation?
  • In 1787, delegates convened to draft a new Constitution because the Articles of Confederation had proven ineffective in governing the nation. Key issues included the inability to levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, and maintain order. The new Constitution established a stronger federal government with distinct branches that could manage these challenges effectively, thereby resolving many weaknesses inherent in the Articles.
• Evaluate the significance of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787 in shaping modern American governance.
  • The Constitutional Convention was crucial in forming modern American governance by creating a robust framework for federal authority. Delegates debated key issues such as representation and checks and balances, resulting in a system designed to prevent tyranny while allowing for effective governance. The principles established during this convention laid the groundwork for how laws are made and how power is distributed within the United States today.
• Analyze how the decisions made during 1787 reflected both compromises and conflicts among different states' interests.
  • The decisions made during 1787 highlighted both compromises and conflicts among states' interests, particularly evident in debates over representation and slavery. The Great Compromise balanced large states' demand for population-based representation with small states' desire for equal representation in Congress. Similarly, compromises over slavery reflected deep regional divisions but were necessary for securing ratification from Southern states. These negotiations reveal how conflicting interests shaped foundational principles of American democracy while also foreshadowing future tensions.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering of representatives from twelve of the thirteen states in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and draft the U.S. Constitution.

Articles of Confederation:

The first governing document of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak central government and was ultimately replaced by the Constitution.

Federalism:

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states, as established by the U.S. Constitution.