key term - Annapolis Convention

Definition

The Annapolis Convention was a meeting held in September 1786 to address the problems of trade and commerce under the Articles of Confederation. This gathering brought together delegates from five states, with the intention of discussing interstate commerce but ultimately recognizing the need for a broader constitutional reform. It set the stage for the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, where the framework for the United States Constitution was ultimately created.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Annapolis Convention took place from September 11 to 14, 1786, and was attended by representatives from only five states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.
2. Despite its limited attendance, the convention produced a report that emphasized the need for a stronger national government to manage trade and other issues effectively.
3. The lack of representation at the Annapolis Convention highlighted the challenges of achieving consensus among the states under the Articles of Confederation.
4. The recommendations from the Annapolis Convention led to a call for a larger meeting in Philadelphia in 1787, resulting in the Constitutional Convention.
5. This convention is often seen as a crucial turning point that paved the way for the drafting of a new constitution that would create a more robust federal government.

Review Questions

• How did the Annapolis Convention influence the decision to hold the Constitutional Convention?
  • The Annapolis Convention highlighted significant issues related to trade and governance under the Articles of Confederation. Its attendees recognized that addressing these problems required not just reforms in commerce but a complete overhaul of the national government. The convention's report called for a broader meeting to discuss these reforms, leading directly to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia where delegates would draft a new Constitution.
• Evaluate the significance of the limited participation at the Annapolis Convention in relation to the effectiveness of the Articles of Confederation.
  • The limited participation at the Annapolis Convention, with only five states represented, underscored the weaknesses inherent in the Articles of Confederation. It demonstrated how difficult it was for states to come together to address common concerns under a framework that allowed for substantial state autonomy. This lack of consensus and cooperation among states was a critical factor that led many leaders to advocate for a stronger national government, ultimately culminating in the Constitutional Convention.
• Assess how the outcomes of the Annapolis Convention reflected broader societal changes and pressures leading up to the drafting of the Constitution.
  • The outcomes of the Annapolis Convention reflected growing frustrations with ineffective governance and economic instability under the Articles of Confederation. As trade issues and interstate conflicts emerged, it became clear that existing structures were inadequate. This gathering laid bare these challenges and represented a turning point where leaders began advocating for significant changes. The call for a stronger federal system resonated with citizens facing economic hardships and highlighted shifting attitudes towards centralized authority, paving the way for a new constitutional framework that addressed these issues comprehensively.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first governing document of the United States, adopted in 1781, which established a weak federal government with limited powers.

Constitutional Convention:

The 1787 gathering in Philadelphia where delegates from twelve states drafted the United States Constitution, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism:

A political system in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states, a concept that was central to the debates during the Constitutional Convention.