Meaning and usage of the word national convention in English

The term "national convention" originally referred to a gathering of delegates from different states to discuss and ratify important issues affecting the entire nation. The concept became significant during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, where representatives from 12 states came together to draft the United States Constitution. The term "convention" itself derives from the Latin word "convenire," meaning "to come together." In historical contexts, it referred to any formal assembly of people with a particular purpose, often holding legislative or executive functions. In the case of the Constitutional Convention, delegates gathered to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had been in place since the end of the American Revolution. The gathering was not officially known as a "national convention" at the time, but the term became commonly used after the adoption of the Constitution in 1788. Subsequent national conventions have been held in the United States to nominate presidential candidates, often called "party conventions." These events became significant mechanisms for political parties to select their standard-bearers and promote their platforms. The first modern national political convention was held by the Republican Party in 1856. In summary, the term "national convention" originated during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where representatives from different states came together to draft a new constitution for the United States. The idea of a formal assembly of people, coming together for a particular purpose, has since evolved through history to encompass a range of political functions related to the nation as a whole.