In 1787, a group of delegates assembled in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention, determined to create a new national government to replace the Articles of Confederation. This decision was prompted by the difficulties and shortcomings of the existing Confederation of States. The convention, which lasted from May to September of that year, resulted in the creation of a more centralized national government, despite fears from states like Rhode Island that they would lose power. This marked a significant move towards a stronger, more unified nation.