Classroom Resources By Topic

Constitutional Convention

Introduction

In the summer of 1787, delegates gathered for a convention in Philadelphia, with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation—the nation’s existing governing document. However, rather than simply revising the Articles of Confederation, they wrote an entirely new framework of government: the U.S. Constitution. This new government was more powerful than the national government established by the Articles of Confederation, but the Constitution also limited the powers of this new government. In this module, you will explore the debates and compromises that occurred at the Constitutional Convention and explore the key arguments during the battle over ratification.

Big Questions

Why did the Founding generation decide to write a new Constitution?
How did the U.S. Constitution differ from the Articles of Confederation?
What were some of the main compromises reached by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?
Video: Recorded Classes

Constitutional Convention and Civil Dialogue  
Advanced Session 
Constitutional Convention and Civil Dialogue  
Introductory Session 
Briefing Document
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Slide Deck
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Worksheet
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Video: Constitution 101

Constitution 101

Module 4: Constitutional Convention and Ratification

Video: Tour of Signers Hall and the 1787 Constitutional Convention

Additional Resources

Educational Video
Constitution 101: Jill Lepore on the Constitutional Convention

In this Fun Friday Session, Jill Lepore, David Woods Kemper ’41 Professor of American History at Harvard University and writer for The New Yorker, joins National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen for a discussion on the issues and events in early America that led to the Constitutional Convention.

Town Hall Video
James Madison’s ‘Notes’: Revising the Constitutional Convention with Mary Sarah Bilder

James Madison's 'Notes': Revising the Constitutional Convention with Mary Sarah Bilder. This is the second of four events of the Bill of Rights Book Festival.

Blog Post
Quiz: Name that Founder at the Constitutional Convention

On May 25, 1787, the convention to write a new United States Constitution began in Philadelphia. So who much do you know about the key people in the room?

Blog Post
On this day, the Constitutional Convention began

It was on this day in 1787 when the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia started in earnest and the first votes were taken at what is now called Independence Hall.

Podcast
Benjamin Franklin and the Constitution

Biographers detail his fascinating life and key role in creating the Constitution.

Big Questions

Classroom Materials

Explore Constitutional Convention Questions

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Media Library

Search and browse videos, podcasts, and blog posts on constitutional topics.

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Founders’ Library

Discover primary texts and historical documents that span American history and have shaped the American constitutional tradition.

Education