Convention 1787

February 4, 12

Dr. David Shaheen

George Washington

The constitutional convention of 1787 was an extremely important event in the future of the U.S constitution and the creation of a strong central government. 55 delegates partook in closed sessions in the debate of the different laws and compromises that needed to be created so that at least 9 of the 13 states could ratify it, ultimately unifying the country. Many of the people involved in these deliberations were crucial to its success.

James Madison is known as the “Father of the constitution” because of the many contributions he had in its creation and ultimate ratification. It was thanks to him that the constitution was ratified by means of campaigning through a series of essays co-written with other important figures - John Jay and Alexander Hamilton. While having great influence on the creation of a finished document, Madison was not the only one who had a significant role in its development and finalization. George Washington was another man that had an extremely important role in the process of the creation of the constitutional convention and its execution in office.

Dissatisfied with the articles of confederation, Washington was one of the many that began advocating for a stronger central government. In 1785 he hosted the Mount Vernon conference in his estate. This meeting was between Virginia and Maryland delegates to treat matters of commerce, navigation and fishing rights in the Potomac River. This initial convention could be seen as the stepping-stone for the constitutional convention years later as it showed that through meetings and dialogues compromises could be reached. In 1786 the Annapolis convention took place, which was influenced by Washington’s Mount Vernon meeting. Only eleven representatives from 5 states showed up to this meeting. Because of the absence of so many states nothing could be accomplished in terms of discussing the problems in government.

In May of 1787 George...