Originally, representatives of the 13 states (Rhode Island did not participate) met in September 1786 in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss revisions to the Articles of Confederation, but it soon became clear that most of them favored a complete rewriting of the Constitution. The representatives followed the lead of Virginia's James Madison, who proposed that the new nation should create a dual legislature--House and Senate--as well as a separate judiciary structure and an executive branch. The Virginia Plan also proposed that the legislative power would precede state laws.
Additionally, the proposed New Jersey plan would allow all states equal power despite their size or population. This plan was supported by the smaller states. A compromise was reached that would allow for an elected president; the Senate was designated as the states' affiliate, and the House was to serve as representatives of the people.
The issue of slavery, though discussed, was not decided, and the representatives instead postponed action for 20 years.
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