When was the Constitution written?

The Constitution of the United States was written in 1787, during the Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia. This gathering brought together state delegates to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately led to the drafting of the new framework for government that would create a stronger federal system.

The year 1787 is notable as it is when the foundational principles of the U.S. government were articulated, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, and the establishment of a bicameral legislature. The completed document was signed on September 17, 1787, and subsequently sent to the states for ratification.

The other years mentioned are significant in their own rights but do not pertain to the writing of the Constitution. For instance, 1776 marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, while 1791 is the year the Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was ratified. The year 1801 is associated with the start of Thomas Jefferson's presidency and does not relate to the Constitution's drafting.