Alexander Hamilton from New York believed that the 13 states needed to rethink the confederation. He and others suggested a large meeting to do this. In May 1787, 55 delegates met in Philadelphia. They knew about history, law, and political theory. They understood colonial and state government. Most did not think the Articles of Confederation worked very well. They proposed a constitution describing a new form of government based on separate legislative, executive, and judicial authorities. The delegates did not agree on all the details. Many delegates wanted a strong national government that would limit a state's rights. Others believed that a weak national government was better. They wanted the states to have more power. Some delegates wanted fewer people to have the right to vote; they believed that most people lacked the education to make good decisions. Delegates from small states wanted each state to have equal representation in the new congress. Delegates from big states demanded that their states have more influence.