The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where delegates from 12 of the 13 states were present. The state of Rhode Island refused to send a delegate because it was afraid of losing its states' rights. The delegates worked behind closed doors of the State House to draft a new document known later as the "Constitution. In Philadelphia, more than fifty delegates from twelve of the original thirteen colonies met to begin writing the Constitution of the United States. These delegates were selected by their states. They were educated, patriotic, and experienced men. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate. George Washington presided over the Convention, and James Madison took detailed notes. Some men were landowners
