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The Drafting and Ratification of the United States Constitution

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The United States Constitution, crafted during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787, embodies the nation's supreme law with a preamble, seven articles, and a closing endorsement. It reflects Enlightenment ideals and the influence of historical legal documents, establishing a federal government with a system of checks and balances. The ratification process, overcoming the Articles of Confederation's limitations, led to the adoption of the Constitution after intense debate and the promise of a Bill of Rights.

The Drafting of the United States Constitution

The United States Constitution, the supreme law of the United States, was the product of intense deliberation during the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. From August 6 to September 10, the Committee of Detail's initial draft was meticulously examined, with delegates debating and revising its contents. The Committee of Style and Arrangement, formed on September 8 and including luminaries such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, was tasked with refining the draft. Gouverneur Morris is credited with penning much of the final text, which was presented on September 12. This document, organized into a preamble, seven articles, and a closing endorsement, was accompanied by a letter to Congress explaining the Convention's work and recommending the Constitution's adoption.
Late eighteenth-century scene in a sumptuous room with seven men in period clothes discussing around a large oval table illuminated by natural light.

The Final Session and Signing of the Constitution

On September 17, 1787, the final session of the Constitutional Convention took place, culminating in the signing of the engrossed Constitution. While the moment was historic, not all delegates were content with the final document, and some left the convention early or outright refused to sign. Of the 55 delegates who attended the convention, 39 signed the Constitution. Benjamin Franklin, despite his own reservations, urged unanimity, recognizing the Constitution as a sound framework for governance. The document's closing endorsement sought to reflect collective agreement, stating, "Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of the States present," although in reality, unanimity among states was not achieved. The Constitution was then sent to the states for ratification, with the understanding that it would take effect once nine states concurred.

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00

The ______, known as the supreme law of the ______, originated from the Philadelphia Convention in ______.

United States Constitution

United States

1787

01

Between ______ and ______, the Committee of Detail scrutinized their initial draft of the Constitution, leading to extensive discussions and amendments.

August 6

September 10

02

______ is recognized for writing a significant portion of the Constitution's final version, which was revealed on ______.

Gouverneur Morris

September 12

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