The Philadelphia Convention, also known as the Constitutional Convention, took place in 1787. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen original states gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The goal was to create a stronger federal government that could effectively manage the nation. During the convention, key figures like George Washington and James Madison played significant roles in shaping the new framework. The outcome was the drafting of the United States Constitution, which established the structure of the government and included principles such as checks and balances, federalism, and the separation of powers.