Final answer:
The Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787, to address issues with the Articles of Confederation, leading to the creation of a new U.S. Constitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
On May 25, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Constitutional Convention began, marking a pivotal moment in American history. This gathering was intended to address the issues that arose under the Articles of Confederation and to create a new framework for the U.S. government. Among the delegates were key figures such as Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, George Washington, and several others. Notably absent were Thomas Jefferson and John Adams who were abroad at the time, as well as Patrick Henry, who was skeptical of centralized power. After four months of deliberation, this assembly produced a document that laid the foundations of the current system of governance in the United States.