Constitutional Convention and Drafting of the U.S. Constitution (May–September 1787)

1. Delegates convene as quorum is reached

   May 25, 1787Labels: Philadelphia Convention, Quorum

   • National Archives
   • Britannica

2. Virginia Plan sets a new government agenda

   May 29, 1787Labels: Virginia Plan, Virginia delegates

   • Britannica
   • Virginia Plan

3. New Jersey Plan defends equal state voting

   Jun 15, 1787Labels: New Jersey, William Paterson

   • NPS
   • Capitol VC

4. Three-fifths ratio adopted for representation and taxes

   Jul 12, 1787Labels: Three-Fifths Compromise, Census provision

   • NPS
   • Britannica

5. Great Compromise resolves representation dispute

   Jul 16, 1787Labels: Great Compromise, Connecticut Compromise

   • Britannica
   • History

6. Committee of Detail assigned to draft a full text

   Jul 24, 1787Labels: Committee of, Drafting committee

   • American Founding
   • ConSource

7. Committee of Detail report submitted for debate

   Aug 6, 1787Labels: Committee of, Draft report

   • ConSource
   • Constitution Ctr

8. Committee report shapes presidential election framework

   Sep 4, 1787Labels: Electoral College, Presidential selection

   • NPS

9. Committee of Style appointed to polish and arrange text

   Sep 8, 1787Labels: Committee of, Preamble revision

   • NPS
   • Constitution Ctr

10. Committee of Style report presented as near-final draft

    Sep 12, 1787Labels: Committee of, Near-final draft

    • Constitution Ctr
    • Constitution Ctr

11. Final Constitution signed and endorsed by delegates

    Sep 17, 1787Labels: Constitution signing, Signatories

    • National Archives
    • Britannica
    • Cornell LII

12. Convention transmits Constitution to Confederation Congress

    Sep 17, 1787Labels: Transmission to, Confederation Congress

    • Avalon