How did the Constitutional Convention of 1787 change the U.S. government?

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was pivotal in shaping the U.S. government as it resulted in the replacement of the Articles of Confederation, which had proven to be ineffective in governing the newly independent states. The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government that struggled to maintain order and manage economic policies, leading to challenges such as interstate disputes and economic instability.

The convention aimed to address these issues, ultimately resulting in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. This new framework established a stronger federal government with separate branches (executive, legislative, and judicial) and a system of checks and balances, enhancing the government's ability to function effectively. The Constitution also provided the federal government with the powers necessary to address issues that the Articles of Confederation could not, such as taxation and regulation of commerce.

By officially replacing the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution, the Convention marked a significant turning point in American governance, laying the foundation for the federal system that still exists today.