Final answer:
The Constitutional Convention was called to address the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution which created a balance between federal and state powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Constitutional Convention was called to address the profound weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, which had become blatant following the economic crisis of the 1780s, and challenges to federal authority displayed in events like Shays' Rebellion. The convention, which was suggested by James Madison and supported through Alexander Hamilton's initiative, was initially convened with the aim of revising the Articles. However, it soon became clear that a complete overhaul was necessary. Delegates from twelve states gathered in Philadelphia in 1787, leading to the drafting of the United States Constitution. The Constitutional Convention aimed to create a balance between a strong central government and the preservation of state rights, while also maintaining individual freedoms. A significant outcome was the federal structure of government that defines the U.S. political system to this day.