What was the Constitutional Convention of 1787 primarily aimed at addressing?

Study for the Texas AandM University HIST106 Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Gear up for success!

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was primarily aimed at improving the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles established a loose confederation of states and left significant powers to the individual states, which resulted in numerous issues, including an inability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, or enforce laws effectively. The convention was convened to address these shortcomings, with the goal of creating a stronger federal government that could maintain order and promote economic stability.

Delegates at the convention recognized that the system created by the Articles was inadequate for the growing nation. They sought to draft a new constitution that would provide a framework for a more powerful government while also laying out the separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny. The outcome was the United States Constitution, which significantly reformed the structure of government and provided solutions to the issues that had arisen under the Articles of Confederation.

While the creation of a Bill of Rights was an important development that followed the Constitution's ratification, it was not the primary focus of the 1787 convention itself. Similarly, drafting the Articles of Confederation pertains to an earlier stage in American governance and does not reflect the objectives of the Constitutional Convention. Lastly, although responses to British policies were significant historical issues preceding the convention,

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