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Representatives from five states met in Annapolis, Maryland to discuss trade issues between the states. Though poorly attended, this convention was crucial because it led to the call for a larger convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were key figures who pushed for this broader meeting.

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Daniel Shays led a rebellion of farmers in western Massachusetts who were struggling with debt and high taxes. The rebellion showed the weakness of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation, as the national government couldn't raise an army to stop it. This event convinced many that a stronger federal government was needed.

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May 25, 1787: Constitutional Convention Begins

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May 25, 1787: Constitutional Convention Begins

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The Constitutional Convention officially began in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall). Delegates from 12 states gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation, but they ended up creating an entirely new Constitution. George Washington was elected president of the convention.

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Edmund Randolph of Virginia presented the Virginia Plan, which proposed a strong national government with three branches and representation based on population. This plan favored larger states and became the foundation for much of the debate at the convention. James Madison is credited as the main author of this plan.

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June 15, 1787: New Jersey Plan Presented

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June 15, 1787: New Jersey Plan Presented

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William Paterson of New Jersey presented the New Jersey Plan as an alternative to the Virginia Plan. This plan called for equal representation for all states regardless of size, protecting the interests of smaller states. The debate between these two plans created one of the major conflicts of the convention.

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After weeks of heated debate, the delegates reached the Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise). This created a two-house legislature: the House of Representatives with representation based on population (favoring large states) and the Senate with equal representation for all states (favoring small states). Roger Sherman of Connecticut helped broker this deal.

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After months of debate, 39 delegates signed the final version of the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, at age 81, was the oldest signer. The document was then sent to the states for ratification. This date is now celebrated as Constitution Day in the United States.

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December 7, 1787: Delaware First to Ratify

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December 7, 1787: Delaware First to Ratify

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Delaware became the first state to ratify the new Constitution, earning it the nickname 'The First State.' The vote was unanimous in the Delaware convention. Nine states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect, making each state's decision crucial to the success of the new government.

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June 21, 1788: Constitution Takes Effect

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June 21, 1788: Constitution Takes Effect

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New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, officially putting it into effect. This historic moment in Concord marked the birth of our current form of government. The remaining states would eventually join, with Rhode Island being the last in 1790.