the constitutional convention had the authority to revise the articles of confederation what did they do instead
The U.S. Constitution established Americaâs national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, presided over by George Washington.Under Americaâs first governing document, the Articles of Confederation, the national government was weak and states operated like independent countries.he U.S. Constitution established Americaâs national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, presided over by George Washington.