Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal meeting of delegates to draft or revise a constitution: A "constitutional convention" is a formal assembly of representatives convened for the purpose of writing a new constitution or amending an existing one.
   • A specific historical event: In United States history, "Constitutional Convention" (often capitalized) refers specifically to the 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates from the states drafted the U.S. Constitution.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The country held a constitutional convention to establish a new framework of government after the revolution.
  • The Constitutional Convention of 1787 is a pivotal event in American history.

Advanced Usage

• "to call a constitutional convention": To formally initiate the process of assembling such a meeting.

  • Two-thirds of the state legislatures can petition Congress to call a constitutional convention.

• "delegate to the Constitutional Convention": A representative who participated in the specific 1787 event.

  • James Madison is often called the "Father of the Constitution" for his role as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.

Variants and Related Words

• Convention (n): A large formal meeting or assembly.

  • The political party held its national convention to nominate a candidate.

• Constitutional (adj): Related to or in accordance with a constitution.

  • The court ruled that the law was not constitutional.

Synonyms

• Constitutional assembly: A body convened to draft or adopt a constitution.
• Founding convention: A term emphasizing the creation of a foundational document.

Related Phrases

• Ratifying convention: A subsequent meeting held in individual states to approve the proposed constitution.
  • The Constitution required approval by ratifying conventions in nine states.

Related Terms

• Framers: Often used to refer to the delegates of the 1787 Constitutional Convention.
  • The Framers designed a system of checks and balances.

Noun

1. the convention of United States statesmen who drafted the United States Constitution in 1787