Final answer:
The delegates at the Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 decided to keep the discussions secret in order to speak freely and prevent outside influences. They ensured the secrecy of the discussions by shuttering the windows of the State House and swearing an oath of secrecy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The delegates at the Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 decided to keep the discussions secret in order to speak freely and prevent outside influences. By ensuring secrecy, the delegates enabled themselves to have open and honest debates about the future of the government. They shuttered the windows of the State House and swore an oath of secrecy to ensure that the discussions remained confidential. This allowed the delegates to freely express their ideas and opinions without fear of judgment or reprisal.