Who proposed the idea of a convention to amend the Articles of Confederation?

The idea of a convention to amend the Articles of Confederation was proposed during the Annapolis Convention, which took place in 1786. This gathering was convened to discuss issues related to trade and commerce among the states, but it became clear that the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were significant and required a broader constitutional reform.

While figures like James Madison were influential and played a critical role in advocating for a stronger federal government, the actual proposal to convene the convention that ultimately led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution came from the delegates at the Annapolis Convention. They recognized that a more comprehensive approach was necessary, leading to the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 where the Articles were replaced entirely with the new Constitution.

This demonstrates the historical significance of the Annapolis Convention as a catalyst for the fundamental changes in the structure of the U.S. government. It highlights the urgent need among some states to reassess and revise the existing framework to create a more effective national government.