What happened on February 21, 1787?
Asked by: Chelsea Terry | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)
On February 21, 1787, the Continental Congress officially resolved to hold a convention in Philadelphia, starting May 14, for the "sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation," which ultimately led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution, though delegates soon exceeded their mandate to just amend the Articles.
What happened in February 1787?
On February 21, 1787, the Confederation Congress endorsed this convention "for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation". The Congress only endorsed the convention on the grounds it would produce a report upon which necessary changes to the Articles could be introduced and ratified.
What major event happened in 1787?
Four years after the United States won its independence from Great Britain, 55 state delegates, including George Washington, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin, convene in Philadelphia to compose a new U.S. constitution on May 25, 1787. George Washington presiding over the Constitutional Convention, 1787.
What was the purpose of the Federal convention in Philadelphia on February 21, 1787?
On February 21, 1787, the Congress resolved that “a convention of delegates . . . appointed by the several states be held at Philadelphia for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.”
What actually happened at the Philadelphia convention?
A convention of delegates from all the states except Rhode Island met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May of 1787. Known as the Constitutional Convention, at this meeting it was decided that the best solution to the young country's problems was to set aside the Articles of Confederation and write a new constitution.
February 21, 1787, Resolution
What does "ratified" mean?
To ratify means to approve or enact a legally binding act that would not otherwise be binding in the absence of such approval. In the constitutional context, nations may ratify an amendment to an existing or adoption of a new constitution.
What was the biggest problem that the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 needed to solve?
A central issue at the Convention was whether the federal government or the states would have more power. Many delegates believed that the federal government should be able to overrule state laws, but others feared that a strong federal government would oppress their citizens.
What do the first 3 words of the Constitution mean?
Written in 1787, ratified in 1788, and in operation since 1789, the United States Constitution is the world's longest surviving written charter of government. Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens.
Who wrote the U.S. Constitution?
James Madison, the principal author of the Constitution, knew that grave doubts would be cast on the Constitution if those states (the home states of several of its chief architects, including Madison himself) did not adopt it.
What was the original reason for the delegates to meet in Philadelphia?
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia met between May and September of 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation.
What is 1787 famous for?
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S or by naturalization, have become citizens. The Constitution of the United States of America is the supreme law of the United States.
Why is 1787 an important date?
September 17 is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (Constitution Day). This day commemorates the September 17, 1787 signing of the United States Constitution.
What happened to George Washington in 1787?
Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787.
Did the founding fathers put God in the Constitution?
No, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly mention God or a supreme being in its main text, a deliberate choice by the Founding Fathers to establish a secular government and protect religious freedom, though it does contain a date reference ("Year of our Lord") and the First Amendment prevents religious tests for office, reflecting a consensus on separation of church and state despite their personal faith.
What significant event took place in the year 1787?
The signing of the United States Constitution occurred on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Who signed the Constitution first?
George Washington, as president of the Convention, signed first, followed by the other delegates, grouped by states in progression from north to south.
Who are the 4 fathers of the United States?
Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison served as the first four presidents; Adams and Jefferson were the nation's first two vice presidents; Jay was the nation's first chief justice; Hamilton was the first secretary of the treasury; Jefferson was the first secretary of state; and Franklin was America's most senior ...
Who actually hand wrote the U.S. Constitution?
Jacob Shallus or Shalus (1750–April 18, 1796) was an American calligrapher who was the engrosser or penman of the original copy of the United States Constitution.
What are the first five amendments?
Amendments to the Constitution
- First Amendment Fundamental Freedoms.
- Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms.
- Third Amendment Quartering Soldiers.
- Fourth Amendment Searches and Seizures.
- Fifth Amendment Rights of Persons.
- Sixth Amendment Rights in Criminal Prosecutions.
- Seventh Amendment Civil Trial Rights.
Is the f word protected speech?
Yes, the "f-word" (profanity/obscenity) is generally protected speech under the First Amendment, as the Supreme Court has ruled that offensive or vulgar words alone aren't enough to restrict speech; however, it loses protection if it crosses into unprotected categories like "fighting words" (direct personal insults likely to provoke violence), true threats, or is part of obscenity, though courts have narrowed these exceptions significantly, as seen in the Brandi Levy case where school-related online swearing was protected.
Can a president change the Constitution?
The Constitution does not give a president the power to violate the Constitution, create or change congressional statutes, or override U.S. Supreme Court decisions—no matter what the EOs say.
What is the highest law in our country?
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All laws in the United States need to follow the Constitution.
Which founding fathers opposed the Constitution?
Notable Anti-Federalists
- Patrick Henry, Virginia.
- Samuel Adams, Massachusetts.
- Joshua Atherton, New Hampshire.
- George Mason, Virginia.
- Richard Henry Lee, Virginia.
- Robert Yates, New York.
- James Monroe, Virginia.
- Amos Singletary, Massachusetts.
Where is the original Constitution kept?
The National Archives in Washington, DC.
Which state was the last to ratify the Constitution?
It was not until May 29, 1790, that the last state, Rhode Island, finally ratified the Constitution.