What significant event took place at the Constitutional Convention?

The significant event that took place at the Constitutional Convention was the writing of the Constitution. This convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, was convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to create a stronger national framework of government. During the convention, delegates from the thirteen states deliberated on various issues, resulting in the drafting of the United States Constitution, which established the foundational laws and principles governing the nation.

This moment was pivotal in shaping American governance, as it addressed the need for a balance of powers, federalism, and the protection of individual rights, which are reflected in the final document. The Constitution serves as the supreme law of the United States and established the structure of the government that remains in place today.

The other options refer to events or actions that did not occur during the Constitutional Convention. Amending the Constitution, for instance, happens through a different process post-ratification, and the Declaration of Independence was an earlier document that served a different purpose - it declared independence from Britain. The formation of a new government was a result of the Constitution drafting but was not the main action that defined the convention itself.