The Constitutional Convention was called in Philadelphia in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation. Delegates debated plans like the Virginia Plan, which proposed a strong federal government, and the New Jersey Plan, which supported state equality. They compromised with the Great Compromise, which created a bicameral Congress. They also agreed to the Three-Fifths Compromise to determine representation of slaves. The delegates established three branches of government and a process for amending the Constitution. After signing, the Constitution had to be ratified by nine states, which was achieved in 1788, establishing the new U.S. government.