Series: The Constitutional Convention: A Day by Day Account for September 1787

Delegates debated and compromised on the final issues of the Constitution. Although not perfect in anyone's eyes, most of the delegates left satisfied by what they had accomplished.

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 1: September 1, 1787: An End in Sight

    Elbridge Gerry in background of a mural of the framers of the Constitution with arms crossed.

    The Convention adjourned quickly today. A committee was working on the last sticking points. While most felt good about the work they’d accomplished, a handful of delegates had recently come out in opposition to the Constitution. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 2: September 2, 1787: Fraying at the Edges

    Sculpture of a man seated on a rock with his chin resting on his fist while in contemplation.

    Delegates had much to consider during the Sunday recess. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 3: September 3, 1787: Separation of Powers

    The three great seals of the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court.

    Ever fearful of too much power being concentrated in one group of people, the Framers of the Constitution took steps to ensure that sitting members of Congress couldn’t simultaneously serve in a Presidential administration. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 4: September 4, 1787: The Electoral College

    Electoral count on parchment paper with states and numbers handwritten.

    The Convention had considered many ways of choosing the President, and all of them were subject to objections. Today, the idea of having an Electoral College choose the President started to gain favor. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 5: September 5, 1787: Refining the Proposal

    Close up of the clock tower of Independence Hall with clear blue sky background.

    The Convention continued its debate over the proposed Electoral College, which was to elect the President of the United States. How many electoral votes should the winning candidate need to receive? And what would happen if no candidate received enough votes to win? Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 6: September 6, 1787: The Electoral College Completed

    Close-up view of printed words explaining the electoral college in Article 2 of the Constitution.

    After three days, the Convention finally agreed on a plan for how the Electoral College’s election of the President would work. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 7: September 7, 1787: Presidential Power

    Silhouette of profile of George Washington from shoulders up.

    Having spent three days arguing over how Presidents would be elected, the Convention spent a surprisingly short amount of time of time describing what powers Presidents would have. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 8: September 8, 1787: Ready for a Second Draft

    Two quill pens lying flat in a paper quill holder.

    Today the Convention finished its monthlong review of the first draft of the Constitution and appointed a Committee of Style to write a second draft. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 9: September 9, 1787: Homesick

    Ink drawing of a country house with a stone fence and wood gate in front.

    With a Committee of Style appointed to write a second draft of the Constitution, the delegates were anxious for the Convention to be over so they could return home. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 10: September 10, 1787: Amendments and Ratification

    Silhouette profile of Edmund Randolph facing right.

    The Convention decided how the Constitution could be amended, but not how it would be ratified. Meanwhile, Edmund Randolph (VA) expressed his strong opposition to the Constitution and gave his reasons. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 11: September 11, 1787: The Second Draft

    Close-up of wooden stair bannister in Independence Hall.

    The Convention adjourned while the Committee of Style finished the second draft of the United States Constitution. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 12: September 12, 1787: No Bill of Rights

    Orginial engrossed Bill of Rights- ink on parchment paper.

    For the first time in the whole Convention, a proposal was made for a Bill of Rights. The consensus was clear: almost none of the delegates thought the Constitution of the United States needed a Bill of Rights. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 13: September 13, 1787: Sumptuary Laws

    Drawing of a luxurious dress from the 18th century cream colored with small flower patterns.

    The only notable issue discussed today was the proposal to add sumptuary laws (laws regulating luxuries) to the Constitution. The Convention unanimously voted to create a committee for this purpose. Whether the committee ever met is unknown. It never released a report. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 14: September 14, 1787: All the Possibilities

    Painting of white clouds with a vibrant blue sky background.

    With the Convention coming to a close, several delegates seized one of the last opportunities to add various clauses to the Constitution. Most of them failed, but they offer fascinating insights into other ways the United States government could have worked. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 15: September 15, 1787: Unanimity and Dissent

    From left to right: Portraits of George Mason, Edmund Randolp, and Elbridge Gerry

    The Convention completed its substantial work today and unanimously approved the Constitution. However, two states (New York and Rhode Island) were not part of the vote because they were not fully represented at the Convention, and two Virginians and one Massachusettsan refused to sign and support the Constitution and gave their reasons why. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 16: September 16, 1787: A Final Recess

    Relaxed street scene of Philadelphia in 1800. Tree-lined street with people walking on the sides.

    While a scribe handwrote the Constitution, the delegates enjoyed one last Sunday rest in Philadelphia. Read more

  • Independence National Historical Park

    Article 17: September 17, 1787: A Republic, If You Can Keep It

    Close-up of the words

    Thirty-nine names were signed to the Constitution of the United States, while three delegates refused to sign, despite eloquent pleas from Benjamin Franklin and others. Ultimately, the signatures had no legal consequence, for the Constitution would only be enacted if nine of the thirteen states ratified it. The ultimate deciders, both in 1787 and in the future, were to be the people of the United States. Read more

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