| the convention in Philadelphia (1787) of representatives from each of the former Colonies, except Rhode Island, at which the Constitution of the United States was framed. |
| Main Entry: | Constitutional Convention |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | a gathering to draw up a constitution, specif. that in Philadelphia in 1787 of representatives from each of the former Colonies, except Rhode Island, at which the Constitution of the United States was framed |
The gathering that drafted the Constitution of the United States in 1787; all states were invited to send delegates. The convention, meeting in Philadelphia, designed a government with separate legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It established Congress as a lawmaking body with two houses: each state is given two representatives in the Senate, whereas representation in the House of Representatives is based on population.
