What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

• A. To declare independence from Britain
• B. To draft amendments to the Articles of Confederation
• C. To create a new form of government through a new Constitution
• D. To resolve conflicts among states

Answer: (C)

The main purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in 1787 was to create a new form of government through a new Constitution. After experiencing significant challenges under the Articles of Confederation, which resulted in a weak federal government unable to address various issues including economic instability and interstate disputes, delegates gathered in Philadelphia with the intent to draft a new governing document. This culminated in the creation of the U.S. Constitution, which established a stronger federal framework while balancing power between the national and state governments.

The alternate choices reflect important historical contexts but do not align as closely with the primary aim of the Convention. The declaration of independence from Britain was a pivotal event in 1776, preceding the Convention by over a decade. While there was an intention to amend the existing Articles of Confederation, the realization that it was fundamentally inadequate led the delegates to draft an entirely new Constitution instead. Although resolving conflicts among states was a consideration, it was a part of the broader strategy to create an effective government that could address those very conflicts and more. Thus, the core purpose of the Convention was indeed the establishment of a new Constitution.