What was the primary purpose of the Philadelphia/Constitutional Convention?

The primary purpose of the Philadelphia/Constitutional Convention in 1787 was to create a new form of government. The delegates gathered to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, which had proven ineffective in uniting the states and managing the nation's affairs. Instead of merely amending the Articles, the delegates aimed to establish a fundamentally different framework for governance.

The resulting United States Constitution was drafted to create a stronger federal government with the ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, and maintain order. This new government was a significant shift towards federalism, balancing power between national and state governments while creating a system of checks and balances among the branches of government. The conversations and compromises at the Convention laid the foundation for the structure and principles that continue to govern the United States today.