The drafting of the United States Constitution was inspired by several factors, including the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the urgent need for a more effective federal government, and Enlightenment ideals promoting individual rights and democratic governance. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 brought together leaders and thinkers who sought to balance state and federal powers, ensuring a system of checks and balances. Influential documents, such as the Federalist Papers, articulated the philosophy behind the proposed Constitution and ultimately led to its ratification. The Constitution has since become the foundational legal framework guiding American democracy.