The events of May 1787 begin with the arrival of George Washington in Philadelphia on May 13, and continue through the approval of a bicameral legislature on May 31.
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 1: May 13, 1787: Washington Arrives in Philadelphia
Washington initially resisted attending the federal convention but then served as its presiding officer. He arrived in Philadelphia one day before the convention was due to begin. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 2: May 14 - 24, 1787: No Quorum for the Convention
Delegates gathered in the Pennsylvania State House each day to check progress towards a quorum. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 3: May 25, 1787: Quorum
With quorum achieved, the delegates got down to the business at hand, naming Alexander Hamilton and two other men to a Rules Committee. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 4: May 26 - 27, 1787: Adjourned until Monday
The Rules Committee worked on Saturday, but delegates like James Madison took time during the two-day recess to write letters. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 5: May 28, 1787: Nine States Now Present
Oliver Ellsworth and other delegates from his state of Connecticut arrived, along with delegates from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 6: May 29, 1787: Virginia and Pinckney Plans Submitted
Virginia Governor Edmund Randolph addressed the inadequacies of the Articles of Convention, and put forth 15 resolutions comprising a new framework of government. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 7: May 30, 1787: Committee of the Whole
Nathaniel Gorham of Massachusetts presided over the Committee of the Whole on this day, and for the next 15 days, as the delegates debated the Virginia and Pinckney plans. Read more
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Independence National Historical Park
Article 8: May 31, 1787: Debate on the Legislature
The Committee of the Whole took a vote on portions of the Virginia Plan, including the bicameral legislature and popular election for members of the first house (today's House of Representatives). Read more