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Lesson 9: How Was the Philadelphia Convention Organized?

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Lesson Purpose

The Constitution of the United States of America was written at a convention held in Philadelphia in 1787. This lesson describes some of the important people who attended and the first steps they took in Philadelphia. The structure and rules they gave to their deliberations played a major role in the outcome by providing a framework for civil discourse, that is, the reasoned discussion of issues. The Virginia Plan, the first blueprint that the delegates considered, created the agenda for subsequent discussions.

Lesson Objectives

When you have finished this lesson, you should  be able to
  • describe the organizing phase of the Philadelphia Convention,
  • explain the significance of rules and agendas for effective civil discussion, and
  • evaluate, take, and defend positions on determining what interests should be represented in a constitutional convention and the advantages and disadvantages of secrecy in governmental deliberations.

Lesson Terms

civil discourse
Reasoned discussion as opposed to emotional display. See civility
federal system
national government
proportional representation

Lesson Biographies

Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790 CE)
Franklin was the oldest delegate to the Philadelphia Convention. With the possible exception of George Washington, Franklin was the best-known man in America. Born into a poor family, Franklin became an inventor, scientist, diplomat, and publisher. His Poor Richard's Almanac was read nationwide. His career in public service was long and varied, and included service as ambassador to England and France and as governor of Pennsylvania. At the Philadelphia Convention, Franklin was a compromiser, using wit to bring delegates together. A staunch advocate of colonial rights, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris (1783). He played an important role in creating the Great Compromise. He favored a strong national government and argued that the Framers should trust the judgment of the people. Although he was in poor health in 1787, he missed few sessions, being carried to and from the meeting place in a special chair. Although he did not agree with everything in the Constitution, he believed that no other convention could come up with a better document.
Sherman, Roger (1721-1793 CE)
Mason, George (1725-1792 CE)
Washington, George (1732-1799 CE)
Henry, Patrick (1736-1799 CE)
Wilson, James (1741-1798 CE)
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826 CE)
Madison, James (1751-1836 CE)
Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816 CE)
Hamilton, Alexander (1755-1804 CE)

Lesson Primary Sources

The Virginia Plan (1787)

The Virginia Plan was presented by Virginia delegate Edmund Randolph to the Philadelphia Convention on May 29, 1787. It provided for a national government composed of three branches. It proposed a Congress of two houses, both of which would be based on proportional representation. The Virginia Plan favored a strong national government.at the Philadelphia Convention that provided for a national government composed of three branches. It proposed a Congress of two houses, both of which would be based on proportional representation. The Virginia Plan favored a strong national government.

Access the Material

The Text of Pinckney
Vices of the Political System of the United States—James Madison, 1787
Credentials of the State of Connecticut 1787
Credentials of the Members of the Federal Convention. Commonwealth of Massachusetts; April 9, 1787
Credentials of the Members of the Federal Convention : State of New Hampshire; June 27, 1787
Notes of Ancient and Modern Confederacies
James Madison's Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787
United States Constitution
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