the constitutional convention (also known as the philadelphia convention) was held from may 25 to september 17, 1787 in philadelphia, pennsylvania. although the convention was called to revise the articles of confederation, it became clear from the beginning that many members, including james madison and alexander hamilton, intended to create a new government rather than fix the existing one. the delegates elected george washington to preside over the convention. the result of the convention was the creation of the united states constitution. this makes the meeting one of the most significant events in the history of the united states.