What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

The purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787 was primarily to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The Articles had established a loose confederation of states with a weak central government, which proved inadequate for managing issues such as interstate commerce, taxation, and national defense. Delegates from the states convened in Philadelphia with the intent to revise the Articles; however, they ultimately decided to create a new framework for government, resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. This convention brought together a diverse group of delegates who discussed and debated various aspects of governance, leading to a stronger federal system designed to better meet the needs of the nation.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary goal of the convention. Declaring independence from Britain had already occurred with the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and while economic reforms were discussed, it was not the central purpose of the convention. The Bill of Rights was drafted later as a response to concerns about individual liberties and was not the main focus during the Constitutional Convention itself.