The U.S. Constitutional Convention began on May 25, 1787

MONROE, La. (KNOE) - When 55 delegates from 12 states arrived at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, on May 25, 1787, they did not know they were about to draft a constitution for the young nation.

Most of the group thought they were there to revise the failing Articles of Confederation. But the nationalists, led by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, convinced the group to throw out the Articles and come up with a new stronger federal government.

George Washington, the war hero of the revolution, was elected president of the convention unanimously. They kept the deliberations secret from the public so delegates could debate the pros and cons of the proposals.

By September, 1787, several compromises had been reached. A four-page document was drafted and on September 17th, 39 delegates signed it. George Mason, Edmund Randolph, and Elbridge Gerry refused because it lacked a Bill of Rights to guarantee personal liberty.