What was the main purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

The main purpose of the Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, was to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles had created a federal government that was too weak to manage the country's issues effectively, leading to problems such as economic instability, interstate conflicts, and an inability to raise an army or impose taxes.

During the Convention, delegates from various states deliberated on how to create a stronger, more effective government while still preserving the principles of democracy and state sovereignty. This ultimately led to the drafting of the United States Constitution, a foundational document that established a balanced federal system with checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary goal of the Convention. For instance, a declaration of war was not on the agenda, nor was the creation of a bill for statehood or negotiations with foreign powers. The focus remained on resolving issues inherent in the governing framework under the Articles of Confederation and creating a strong yet fair national government.