We, The People Annapolis Convention
Annapolis Convention
(September 11-14, 1786)
The Annapolis Convention had its origins in disputes between Virginia and Maryland concerning navigation rights ofnthe Potomac River. Following a meeting of commissioners from the two states in 1785, Virginia issued an invitation to several other states to attend a conference on interstate commerce. Because of poor attendance, the delegates abandoned their original purpose of considering a system of uniform commercial regulations for all the states. Before adjourning, however, the delegates agreed that commerce was not the only governmental issue needing discussion to be resolved. A resolution, drafted by Alexander Hamilton, called upon the states to meet the following Spring for the purpose of taking steps "to render the constitution of the Federal Government adequate to the exigencies of the Union."