What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787?

• A. To draft the Declaration of Independence
• B. To address the problems of the Articles of Confederation
• C. To elect a new president
• D. To create a new political party

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is why the Constitutional Convention was held in 1787: to fix the weak national government created by the Articles of Confederation by designing a new framework for governance. Under the Articles, the central government had limited powers—Congress couldn’t tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws—and most authority rested with the states. This led to problems in paying debts, dealing with interstate disputes, and providing for national needs, which helped spark calls for a stronger, more effective system. Because of those weaknesses and events like Shays’ Rebellion, delegates gathered to find a solution. Instead of simply amending the Articles, they produced a new Constitution that established three branches, checks and balances, the power to tax and regulate commerce, and federal supremacy over conflicting state laws. This aimed to create a united, functioning federation rather than addressing independence or political party formation. Earlier work like drafting the Declaration of Independence happened decades before, and the convention did not exist to elect a president or create a political party.