constitutional convention
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- the convention of United States statesmen who drafted the United States Constitution in 1787