The Constitution

The Federal Convention convened in the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) in Philadelphia on May 14, 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation. Because the delegations from only two states were at first present, the members adjourned from day to day until a quorum of seven states was obtained on May 25. Through discussion and debate it became clear by mid-June that, rather than amend the existing Articles, the Convention would draft an entirely new frame of government.

All through the summer, in closed sessions, the delegates debated, and redrafted the articles of the new Constitution. Among the chief points at issue were how much power to allow the central government, how many representatives in Congress to allow each state, and how these representatives should be elected—directly by the people or by the state legislators. The work of many minds, the Constitution stands as a model of cooperative statesmanship and the art of compromise.

The Duties of Citizenship

Our Founders believed that the government created by the Constitution required virtue of its people, demonstrated by a willingness to care for themselves and their families and to show consideration for the rights of others. John Adams said, "Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics."

We have the responsibility to stay informed about and engaged with our government. We are responsible for learning how government operates and knowing what our government is doing. An understanding of constitutional principles including individual rights, federalism, and limited government are fundamental to American citizenship. Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility, which Samuel Adams once called, "one of the most solemn trusts in human society."

See for yourself

Use the magnifying glass below to get a closer look at the U.S. Constitution, inked on parchment and on display at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.