During which significant meeting was the framework for the United States Constitution established?

The framework for the United States Constitution was established during the Philadelphia Convention, which took place in the summer of 1787. This gathering was pivotal as it assembled delegates from twelve of the thirteen states (Rhode Island did not send delegates) to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The primary goal was to create a stronger national government that could effectively address the issues facing the nation at the time, including economic instability and interstate conflicts.

During the convention, delegates debated various proposals and compromised on key issues such as representation, federalism, and the separation of powers, which ultimately shaped the core structure and principles of the Constitution. The decisions made in Philadelphia laid the groundwork for the United States' system of government, including the balance of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

In contrast, other options do not relate specifically to the drafting of the Constitution. The Continental Congress was primarily focused on managing the American colonies' war effort and later independence from Britain. The Frankfurt Assembly was a failed attempt at uniting the German states in the 19th century and the Assembly of the Estates refers to various legislative bodies in different countries, neither of which pertains to the establishment of the U.S. Constitution.