Question

In August 1787, delegates from each of the 13 states met in Philadelphia and wrote the Constitution. They all had many goals for the government of the United States. Sometimes they disagreed with each other. After a month of arguing, they came to an agreement.

Which goal did delegates agree was the most important?

Answer 1

The most important goal agreed upon by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was to create a stronger central government, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and balancing power between national authority and state rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the delegates faced multiple goals and conflicts but ultimately deemed that creating a stronger central government was the most important. They sought to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a government that could effectively manage the country. The goal of forming a "more perfect union" by way of a new Constitution aimed to balance the power between the national government and the states while maintaining federalism. This was vital for ensuring a functional government that would have the authority to speak and act for the new American states.

The Constitution also sought to resolve debates on representation, the integration of slave populations into state populations for congressional representation, and the proper method for electing a president, amongst other issues. The final agreement struck a compromise between the needs of large and small states, outlined the powers of the central government, and set the stage for the ratification process to follow.