
Delegates meet in Philadelphia, May 1787 to "create a government with sufficient power to govern vast territory." The convention, closed to public, chaired by George Washington. Controversy over basis for representation in House of Representatives and slavery issues; over sovereignty and limiting national power. Ground rules for ratification process. Debate between Federalists and Anti-federalists; winning approval. George Washington, first elected president, puts plan to work. Different philosophies within cabinet, Federalist vs. Republican. Washington declines to run for third term.