Creating the Constitution

The creation of the Constitution in 1787 represented a watershed moment in American governance, as it established a framework for a federal system that balanced power between state and national authorities. The Constitutional Convention, convened in Philadelphia, sought to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had proven ineffective in managing national issues.

Key debates emerged over representation, federalism, and the protection of individual rights, leading to the incorporation of the Bill of Rights in 1791. The Constitution remains a living document, subject to amendments and interpretations that reflect the evolving values of American society.