After winning the war against England, the American people had their freedom. Now they needed to form a government to help them get along with each other.

In 1787, there were 13 states with many problems. The country was poor and needed better rules for trade and security. Each state sent men to a serious meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they planned a new government.

They talked a lot. They had to decide how laws should be made for the country and how to elect a president. Small states worried that big states would have too many votes and pass unfair laws to help themselves. Southern states had slaves and wanted to keep them, while Northern states didn’t like slavery.

In the end, they all compromised, which means that each side gave in a little bit.