LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Constitutional Convention: Delegates
built 643 days ago
When James Madison and the other 56 delegates to the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in May 1787, they intended to amend the Articles of Confederation. They ended up creating a new constitution, and Madison, representing Virginia, became the chief recorder of information (he took a lot of notes).
Source:
A constitutional convention is a gathering of delegates for the purpose of writing a new constitution or revising an existing constitution. A general constitutional convention is called to create the first constitution of a political unit or to entirely replace an existing constitution. An unlimited constitutional convention is called to revise an existing constitution to the extent that it deems to be proper, whereas a limited constitutional convention is restricted to revising only the areas of the current constitution named in the convention's call, the legal mandate establishing the convention. In the case of the Philadelphia Convention, delegates met for the "sole purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation." George Washington was elected president of this convention. Once the body convened, meeting and deliberations were conducted in secrecy with James Madison serving as recorder.
Source:
During the spring and summer of 1787, fifty-five delegates representing twelve American states deliberated in a forty-by-forty foot room in the Philadelphia State House with windows closed to maintain secrecy in a meeting that became known as the Constitutional Convention. The delegates engaged in a wide-ranging, frank, civil, yet passionate and often eloquent debate on the future of American government, one that continued for nearly four months despite sometimes flaring tempers and legitimate fears that they would not reach agreement and that disunion or even civil war might follow. They concluded their work by recommending almost unanimously a proposed United States Constitution (today's Constitution without its amendments), a bold new framework for continental republican government designed to replace the Articles of Confederation. This outcome occurred even though the convention had nominally been summoned to consider amendments to the Articles, not to replace it. Even more remarkably, the convention proposed that the new Constitution become effective upon ratification by nine state conventions chosen by the people, ratification principles wholly inconsistent with the Articles.
Source:
The delegates elected to the Constitutional Convention met at Guthrie November 20, 1906, and organized by electing officers, William H. Murray, of Tishomingo, being elected president. Committees were appointed and the convention began its work. The real leaders of teh convention were included in a group of men who had helped to frame the Sequoyah Costitution, fifteen months before. There were forty-five standing committees, to each of which was given the consideration of particular or special features of the proposed constitution.
Source:
As it became increasingly clear that the government created under the articles of confederation was too weak to govern effectively delegates met at the Second Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia to discuss the creation of a new form of government. While almost all agreed that a new form of government was needed that was about all they could agree on. Some, like Jefferson, still clung to the fear of a strong central government that might eventually abuse its power. Others like Alexander Hamilton favored a democratic but strong central government that would be able to solidify the nation and govern more effectively. There were other issues at stake as well, for example:
Source:
There is little discussion in the constitutional convention's documents about sheriffs. Two resolutions proposed removing the constitutional provision for sheriffs (Convention Resolutions 23 and 123). No one testified on these resolutions at the committee hearing of the Constitutional Resolution Committee. The committee unfavorably reported both resolutions. The convention debated the issue but did not adopt either resolution. Four delegates discussed whether sheriffs belong in the constitution after the abolition of county government, the services provided by sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, and the cost of replacing their services.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Delegates