It was 1787. Yes, that specific year. The whole shindig kicked off in May and dragged on until September. Think of it as the world’s most important, most stuffy summer camp.
Why 1787? Because the country was a hot mess. The Articles of Confederation were a flimsy joke. States were fighting like siblings over a toy. So, they called a do-over.
The setting: Philly in the summer
Imagine Philadelphia in the summer without air conditioning. It’s gross. Everyone is sweating through their fancy coats. They’re arguing about taxes while fanning themselves.
They met in the Pennsylvania State House. That’s the same building where Independence Hall is today. You could practically smell the desperation mixed with ink.
Fifty-five delegates showed up. But only thirty-nine actually signed the final thing. Some guys just couldn’t handle the heat—or the debate.
