The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, less than two decades after independence was declared.
Delegates gathered at the Pennsylvania State House, now Independence Hall, from May 25 to September 17, 1787. Although the convention was initially called to revise the Articles of Confederation, its delegates ultimately drafted an entirely new framework of government: the United States Constitution.
George Washington presided over the convention. James Madison played a major role in preparing for it and is often called the “Father of the Constitution,” while the delegates negotiated compromises involving representation, taxation, executive power, and slavery. The final Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
The convention was not the same body as the Continental Congress that adopted the Declaration of Independence. It was also not a popular national assembly: most delegates were selected by state governments. Its work created the constitutional system later ratified by the states.