Library of Congress
Loc: Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention
This site provides a collection of material regarding the work of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Content includes a focus on how the Revolutionary War was organized, fanning the flames of patriotism,...
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: Constitutional Convention: Delegates: Biographies
Illustrated biographical sketches of delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, organized by state delegation.
Yale University
Notes on the Secret Debates of the Federal Convention
The complete text of the notes taken by Robert Yates while he was a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: The Constitutional Convention
Travel back to 1787 and become a delegate to the convention in Philadelphia. As the Founding Fathers struggle to decide how the young nation will be governed, explore how very different men representing their states' conflicting...
Yale University
Avalon Project: Madison Debates
Read online from James Madison's report of William Patterson's proposal of the New Jersey Plan at the Federal Convention, 1787. Link to related document: Articles of Confederation as related specifically to each proposal in the New...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Constitution of the United States of America (1787)
The Constitution was written in the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by delegates from 12 states, in order to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new form of government. It created a federal system with a national...
Yale University
Avalon Project: Resolution of Congress of September 28, 1787
The original text of the resolution of Congress submitting the newly drafted constitution to the states for ratification.
Other
The Federalist Papers:convention, Constitution,& Debates
A clickable index of the 85 Federalist Papers. The text of each letter (paper) sent to New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 is easily accessed.
Yale University
Avalon Project: The Plan of Charles Pinckney (South Carolina)
The original text of a plan presented by Charles Pinckney to The Second Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: History of the Constitution
This history of the American Constitution discusses how the Constitution served as a basis for inspiring and regulating laws made across the nation.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Virginia Plan (1787)
Read the complete text of the Virginia Plan that proposed a strong central government consisting of three branches. You can also view images of the original drafts.
Library of Congress
Loc: Farrand's Records: Randolph's Suggestion for Conciliating
Read Randolph's actual words from the Library of Congress in his proposal and reaction to the New Jersey Plan for solving the representation question in Congress, as recorded by James Madison at the Federal Constitutional Convention.
Digital History
Digital History: The Road to Philadelphia [Pdf]
The new United States government had many problems under the Articles of Confederation. Find out what these problems were, but also discover some of the successes accomplished under that constitution. [pdf]
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Dr. Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790) United States diplomat, inventor, politician, and printer. Invented the Franklin stove, lighting rod and bifocal glasses. Served in the Constitutional Convention of 1787
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Dr. Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790) United States diplomat, inventor, politician, and printer. Invented the Franklin stove, lighting rod and bifocal glasses. Served in the Constitutional Convention of 1787
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Dr. Benjamin Franklin
(1706-1790) United States diplomat, inventor, politician, and printer. Invented the Franklin stove, lighting rod and bifocal glasses. Served in the Constitutional Convention of 1787