Final answer:
Two major documents were signed in Philadelphia: the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, and the Declaration of Independence which started formal signing on August 2, 1776. The Constitutional Convention aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation but resulted in a new constitution that established the current federal government framework. The Virginia and New Jersey Plans were key proposals that influenced the constitutional structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Philadelphia, two major historical documents were brought into existence. The most notable is the signing of the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall on September 17, 1787, at the conclusion of the Philadelphia Convention. This momentous event was immortalized by Howard Chandler Christy's painting, 'Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States.' The main goal of the Philadelphia Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation, but it ultimately led to the creation of a new constitution that established the framework of the federal government and the system of checks and balances that persists today.
The second significant event was the approval of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, although the formal signing by members of Congress began on August 2, 1776. This document signified the Thirteen Colonies' resolution to break free from British rule and founded the United States as an independent nation.
It's important to note the differentiation between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan during the Constitutional Convention. The Virginia Plan proposed a strong central government with a bicameral legislature based on population, benefitting larger states. In contrast, the New Jersey Plan suggested a single legislative body with equal representation for each state, a concept favored by smaller states. These differences were merged into the Great Compromise, which helped in shaping the Constitution by combining elements from both proposals.