- Session List
Session list for:
U.S. Constitutional Convention 1787 (2021 Edition)
Grand Convention at Philadelphia, May to September, 1787, Quill Project 2021 Edition.
Monday, 14 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Date appointed for start of Convention. Only a few delegates present. |
Tuesday, 15 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. |
Wednesday, 16 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | One delegate arrived. Meeting time altered. |
Thursday, 17 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. |
Friday, 18 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. |
Saturday, 19 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | Another delegate arrived. |
Monday, 21 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. |
Tuesday, 22 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. |
Wednesday, 23 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | One delegate arrived. |
Thursday, 24 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 13:00:00 | Delegates met, no arrivals. Still not quorate. |
Friday, 25 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Convened and elected officers. Chose a committee to prepare rules. |
Saturday, 26 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rules Committee | 10:00:00 | Rules and Standing Orders of the Convention drawn up. |
Monday, 28 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Report of the Rules Committee accepted. Additional rules proposed. |
| Rules Committee | 10:00:00 | Additional Rules and Standing Orders of the Convention drawn up. |
Tuesday, 29 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Additional rules agreed. Virginia Plan and Pinckney Plan proposed. |
Wednesday, 30 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 10:00:00 | Committee convened, first two resolutions of Virginia Plan considered. The form of a national government and how to determine representation debated. |
Thursday, 31 May 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 10:00:00 | Resolutions 3 to 6. Branches of the Legislature debated. |
Friday, 01 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. Washington cautioned delegates on secrecy. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 10:00:00 | Resolution 7. The powers of the Executive debated. |
Saturday, 02 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Several delegates arrived. The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 10:00:00 | Resolution 7. The powers, restrictions, and selection of the Executive debated. |
Monday, 04 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 7 and 9. The powers of and restrictions on the Executive debated. Role of the Judiciary taken under consideration. |
Tuesday, 05 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 9 to 15. Powers and selection of the Judiciary debated. Considered resolutions on new states and method of initiating new constitution. |
Wednesday, 06 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolution 4. Republicanism debated, proposal that state legislatures elect first branch of Legislature rejected. |
Thursday, 07 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolution 5. The second branch of the Legislature considered, and election to second branch by state legislatures agreed. |
Friday, 08 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 4 and 6. Congressional negative to state laws and election of first branch of the Legislature debated. |
Saturday, 09 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 4 and 7. Voting procedures within the Legislature debated, and proposition that state executives elect the National Executive rejected. |
Monday, 11 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 2, 11, 13, and 14. Returned to debate on modes of representation in both branches. Three-Fifths Clause introduced. |
Tuesday, 12 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 4, 5, 9, and 15. Debated regulations for the Legislature, jurisdiction of National Judiciary, and ratification of Constitution. |
Wednesday, 13 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Initial plan of Committee of the Whole House reported. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 6 and 9. Jurisdiction and appointment of the National Judiciary agreed, and Money Bills debated. Virginia Plan referred back to Convention. |
Thursday, 14 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Consideration of the plan reported by Committee of the Whole House postponed. |
Friday, 15 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | New Jersey Plan proposed. The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
Saturday, 16 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | New Jersey Plan debated. |
Monday, 18 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | The Convention resolved itself into Committee of the Whole House. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | New Jersey Plan debated. Hamilton Plan introduced. |
Tuesday, 19 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Committee of the Whole House reported. |
| Committee of the Whole House | 11:00:00 | New Jersey Plan Rejected. Final Report returned to Convention. |
Wednesday, 20 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 1 and 2. Debated the issue of a two-house legislature. |
Thursday, 21 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 2 and 3. Debated composition of first branch of the legislature. |
Friday, 22 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 3. Debated composition of first branch of the legislature. |
Saturday, 23 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 3. Debated composition of first branch of the legislature. |
Monday, 25 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 4. Debated composition of second branch of the legislature. |
Tuesday, 26 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 4 and 5. Debated composition of second branch of the legislature. |
Wednesday, 27 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 7 and 8. Debated representation in each branch of the legislature. |
Thursday, 28 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 7 and 8. Debated representation in each branch of the legislature. Franklin called for prayers. |
Friday, 29 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Resolutions 7 and 8. Agreed proportional representation in the first branch. Connecticut Compromise proposed. |
Saturday, 30 June 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 8. Connecticut Compromise debated. |
Monday, 02 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 7 and 8 sent to a committee. Connecticut Compromise rejected. Convention adjourned for Independence Day. |
Tuesday, 03 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Committee on Representation | 11:00:00 | Report of the First Committee on Representation created. |
Thursday, 05 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | First Committee on Representation reported. Connecticut Compromise reintroduced. |
Friday, 06 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of First Committee on Representation debated. First proposition sent to a committee. |
Saturday, 07 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of First Committee on Representation debated. Equal vote for each state in second branch agreed. |
| Second Committee on Representation | 11:00:00 | Report of the Second Committee on Representation created. |
Monday, 09 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Second Committee on Representation reported. Its First Proposition sent to a committee. |
| Third Committee on Representation | 11:00:00 | Report of the Third Committee on Representation created. |
Tuesday, 10 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of Third Committee on Representation agreed. |
Wednesday, 11 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | New York delegation left the Convention. Report of Second Committee on Representation debated. Three Fifths Clause re-proposed. |
Thursday, 12 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of Second Committee on Representation debated. Three Fifths Clause agreed. |
Friday, 13 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of Second Committee on Representation debated. Balance of taxation to representation considered. |
Saturday, 14 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of Second Committee on Representation agreed. Representation again debated. |
Monday, 16 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of First Committee on Representation agreed. Connecticut Compromise accepted. |
Tuesday, 17 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 6 and 9. Debated the powers and election of the executive. |
Wednesday, 18 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 9, 11-16. Debated the role and powers of the judiciary. |
Thursday, 19 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 9. Debated the powers and election of the executive. |
Friday, 20 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 9. Debated the powers and election of the executive. |
Saturday, 21 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolutions 10 and 11. Debated the powers and election of the executive. Appointment of judiciary considered. |
Monday, 23 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | New Hampshire delegation arrived. Resolutions 17, 18, and 19. Debated ratification. Created Committee of Detail. |
Tuesday, 24 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Committee of Detail elected. Resolution 9 resumed. Election of executive debated. |
Wednesday, 25 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 9. Election of executive debated. |
| Committee of Detail | 11:00:00 | Committee convened and received proceedings from Convention. Randolph proposed his constitutional framework. |
Thursday, 26 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Resolution 9 agreed. Convention adjourned to allow Committee of Detail to frame a Constitution. |
Friday, 27 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Committee of Detail | 11:00:00 | Wilson's initial constitutional framework drawn up. |
Sunday, 29 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Committee of Detail | 11:00:00 | Randolph's framework for a constitution amended by the Committee. |
Monday, 30 July 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Committee of Detail | 11:00:00 | A rough draft of the Constitution drawn up. The New Jersey and Pinckney Plans considered. |
Wednesday, 01 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Committee of Detail | 11:00:00 | The rough draft of the Constitution expanded on. |
Friday, 03 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Committee of Detail | 11:00:00 | A final draft Constitution drawn up and a report sent to the Convention. |
Monday, 06 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Convention resumed. Committee of Detail reported. |
Tuesday, 07 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Report of Committee of Detail considered. First three articles agreed. Qualifications of electors debated. |
Wednesday, 08 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article IV: Sections 1 to 5. Composition of House of Representatives debated. Right to originate Money Bills struck out. |
Thursday, 09 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Articles IV to VI. Debated composition of the Senate and time and place of elections. |
Friday, 10 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Articles IV and VI. Property qualifications debated again. Several regulations for Congress agreed. |
Saturday, 11 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article VI: Sections 7 and 8. Several regulations for Congress agreed. Reconsideration of Money Bills agreed. |
Monday, 13 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Several sections reconsidered. Qualifications for both Houses debated. Amendment that Money Bills originate in House defeated. |
Tuesday, 14 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article VI: Sections 9 and 10. Several regulations for Congress agreed. |
Wednesday, 15 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article VI, Section 11 to 13. Final regulations for Congress agreed. Presidential veto debated. |
Thursday, 16 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article VII: Section 1. Enumeration of Congressional powers debated. |
Friday, 17 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article VII: Section 1. Debate on enumeration of Congressional powers continued. |
Saturday, 18 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 11:00:00 | Article VII: Section 1. Additional Congressional powers referred to Committee of Detail. Appointed Committee on State Debts and Militia. Session times extended. |
Monday, 20 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Article VII: Sections 1 to 3. Further Congressional powers referred to Committee of Detail. Treason, tax, House apportionment, and a census considered. |
| Committee on State Debts and Militia | 16:00:00 | Report of the Committee on State Debts and Militia created. |
Tuesday, 21 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Committee of State Debts and Militia reported. Article VII: Sections 3 and 4. Slavery and taxation debated. |
| Committee of Detail | 10:00:00 | Proposals for further Congressional powers received and a second report drawn up for the Convention. |
Wednesday, 22 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation appointed. Second Report of the Committee of Detail received. Report of the Committee on State Debts and Militia debated. |
Thursday, 23 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Report of the Committee on State Debts and Militia agreed. Article VII: Sections I and VII and Article VIII agreed. Article IX (Senate’s power over treaties and appointments) considered. |
| Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation | 16:00:00 | Report of the Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation created. |
Friday, 24 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation reported. Articles IX and X. Controversies among states and executive powers debated. Session times reduced. |
Saturday, 25 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Report of Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation considered. Committee on Commercial Discrimination appointed. Continued debate on executive powers in Article X. |
Monday, 27 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Article X and XI. Debated executive and judicial powers. |
| Committee on Commercial Discrimination | 15:00:00 | Report of the Committee on Commercial Discrimination created. |
Tuesday, 28 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Committee on Commercial Discrimination reported. Article XI on jurisdiction, powers, and limitations of Supreme Court. Articles XII to XIV, regulating State powers. Article XV on extradition. First fugitive slave clause introduced. |
Wednesday, 29 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Appointed Committee on Interstate Comity and Bankruptcy. Report of Committee on Slave Trade and Navigation debated. Fugitive slave clause agreed. Article XVII on admission of new states agreed. |
Thursday, 30 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Articles XVII to XXI. Debated admission of new states, oaths, and process of amendment and ratification. |
Friday, 31 August 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Articles XXI TO XXIII. Mode of ratification and adoption of Constitution debated. Report of the Committee on Commercial Discrimination agreed. Committee on Postponed Matters appointed. |
| Committee on Interstate Comity and Bankruptcy | 15:00:00 | Report of the Committee on Interstate Comity and Bankruptcy created. |
| Committee on Postponed Matters | 15:00:00 | First Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters created. |
Saturday, 01 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | First Report of Committee on Postponed Matters and Report of the Committee on Interstate Comity and Bankruptcy delivered. |
Monday, 03 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Report of the Committee on Interstate Comity and Bankruptcy and First Report of Committee on Postponed Matters amended and accepted. |
| Committee on Postponed Matters | 15:00:00 | Second Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters created. |
Tuesday, 04 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Second Report of Committee on Postponed Matters delivered and debated. |
| Committee on Postponed Matters | 15:00:00 | Third Report of the Committee on Postponed Matters and Resolution and Order on Costs of Convention created. |
Wednesday, 05 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Third Report of Committee on Postponed Matters delivered and agreed. Second Report resumed. Money Bills and Presidential elections debated. |
Thursday, 06 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Second Report of Committee on Postponed Matters. Presidential elections again debated. |
Friday, 07 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Second Report of Committee on Postponed Matters. Presidential powers and elections debated. |
Saturday, 08 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Second and Third Reports of Committee on Postponed Matters agreed. Presidential powers, impeachment, and Money Bills debated. Committee of Style and Arrangement appointed. |
| Committee of Style and Arrangement | 18:00:00 | Committee convened and elected chairman. |
Monday, 10 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Ratification and amendments reconsidered. Proceedings referred to Committee of Style and Arrangement to draw up final Constitution. |
| Committee of Style and Arrangement | 15:00:00 | Committee received instructions from Convention. |
Tuesday, 11 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Convention met and adjourned to await the Report of the Committee of Style and Arrangement. |
| Committee of Style and Arrangement | 10:00:00 | Report of the Committee of Style and Arrangement and Letter to Congress referred to Convention. |
Wednesday, 12 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Committee of Style and Arrangement reported. Presidential veto and customs duties debated. |
| Committee of Style and Arrangement | 15:00:00 | Report on Articles XXII and XXIII created. |
Thursday, 13 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Report of Committee of Style and Arrangement considered. Final process of drafting and amendment began. Committee on Sumptuary Legislation appointed. |
| Committee on Sumptuary Legislation | 15:00:00 | Possible session of Committee on Sumptuary Legislation. |
Friday, 14 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Article I: Sections 3 to 10. Powers and restrictions of Congress debated. Limitations to State power debated. |
Saturday, 15 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Articles I to VII. Questions of representation, State powers, the presidency, trial by jury, and amendments debated. Constitution agreed. |
Monday, 17 September 1787
| Committee | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Convention | 10:00:00 | Engrossed Constitution presented and last amendments made. Signed and sent to Congress. Convention adjourned. |