2. Historical development: The Constitutional Convention

Dates appearing in the associated account: 1787

Historical developments and consequences

Delegates met in Philadelphia from May to September 1787. They created separate legislative, executive and judicial branches and compromised over representation and slavery.

The Constitution strengthened federal authority; its three-fifths formula and fugitive-slave provision protected slavery within the new system.

Original historical article · Authorities & decisions

Delegates met in Philadelphia in May 1787; George Washington presided. James Madison and others debated representation, executive authority and federal powers. The Three-Fifths Compromise gave slaveholding states additional representation based on enslaved populations without granting those people rights.