the constitution for kids

After the American Revoltuion the states were functioning under the
articles of confederation. As time passed it became clear that changes
to this system had to be made. A convention of from all the states
except Rhode Island met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in May of
1787. George Washington was chosen president of the convention.
By the end of the month it was decided that the best solution to the
young country's problems was to set aside the Articles of
Confederation and write a new constitution. This was not an easy
chore. Three months later and after a lot of debate and compromise,
on September 17, 1787, the Constitution of the United States was
finally accepted by the delegates. But their work was not done. The
founding fathers now had to get all the states to agree that this was a
good document and that they should vote in favor of it. This was the
first great political question that faced Americans. Nine states had to
vote for the Constitution for it to be accep...