What was the Annapolis Convention?

The Annapolis Convention, held in 1786, was primarily focused on addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution for the United States. Delegates from five states convened to discuss critical issues such as economic instability, trade barriers among states, and the lack of a strong central government capable of regulating commerce and ensuring national security.

The discussions underscored the inadequacies of the existing system, leading to a call for a larger convention in Philadelphia the following year, which ultimately resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. This makes the focus on weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation a pivotal aspect of the Annapolis Convention's significance in American political history.

The incorrect choices represent different focal points of discussions that did not align with the primary purpose of this convention. The gathering was not about international trade issues or solely the establishment of a national bank, nor was it aimed specifically at drafting amendments to the Constitution at that time. Rather, it served as a precursor to the broader constitutional debates that shaped the future governance of the United States.