the constitutional convention met in philadelphia, pennsylvania from may 25 to september 17, 1787. the purpose of the convention was to revise the articles of confederation. but it became clear that many of its members, including james madison and alexander hamilton, wanted to create a new government rather than fix the existing one. the delegates elected george washington to preside over the convention. they eventually agreed on agreed on madison's virginia plan and began to make changes. the result was the constitution of the united states and the present form of government.