Constitutional Convention

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Constitutional Convention by Mind Map: Constitutional Convention

1. Why (Articles of Confederation)

2. They agreed on these basic ideas about government, should create a constitutional government, the purpose of government should be to protect the basic rights and promote common welfare, a strong national government was needed to serve these purposes, a republican form of government of elected representatives was necessary to make sure the government served the common welfare, separation of powers and a system of checks and balances were necessary to prevent the abuse of power.

3. There were 55 delegates, most fairly young average age was about 42. About 3/4 of framers had previously served in congress. Most were leaders in their states. Most had played important roles in the American Revolution. Some were rich, most were not but no one was poor.

4. Decided to keep a record of what they said at the convention a secret for 30 years.

5. Some important Americans did not attend the convention. Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine were in France, John Adams was in England. Patrick Henry refused to attend the convention because he was against the creation of a strong national government.

6. Held in Philadelphia, May 25, 1787.