The Constitutional Convention

What happened

In the summer of 1787 delegates meeting in Philadelphia — gathered originally to revise the weak Articles of Confederation — instead drafted an entirely new framework of government. Signed on 17 September 1787, the Constitution created a federal republic balancing executive, legislative, and judicial powers. Its provisions on representation and slavery were the product of bitter compromise.

Why it matters

The Constitution has governed the United States ever since — but its unresolved compromises over slavery left a fault line that would eventually split the nation in civil war.

Sources

• National Archives. Constitution of the United States (1787) · Primary source