The voting population in 1787, during the time of the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the United States Constitution, was significantly different from the voting population in contemporary terms. In that era, voting eligibility was limited by various factors, including property ownership, race, gender, and age.

Here are some key characteristics of the voting population in 1787:

1. Property Ownership: In many states, the right to vote was restricted to white male property owners. The idea behind this restriction was that property ownership demonstrated a certain level of economic stability and civic responsibility. This meant that a significant portion of the population, including those who did not own property, women, and African Americans, were excluded from voting.

2. Race: Slavery was widespread in the United States during this period, and enslaved African Americans were not allowed to vote. Even free African Americans in some states faced significant obstacles to voting, including property requirements and other discriminatory practices.

3. Gender: Women were generally excluded from voting in all states during this era. It wasn't until the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1920 that women gained the right to vote nationwide.

4. Age: The minimum voting age varied from state to state, but it was typically set at 21 or older. Younger individuals were not eligible to vote.

5. Religion: In some states, religious tests were used to determine eligibility to vote, which restricted the rights of individuals of certain religious affiliations.

6. Residency: Requirements related to residency and the length of time one had lived in a particular state or locality were common. Newcomers to an area often faced restrictions on their voting rights.

7. Citizenship: Voting rights were generally restricted to U.S. citizens, excluding non-citizens and recent immigrants.

It's important to note that voting rights and eligibility criteria varied significantly from state to state, as each state had its own constitution and laws governing elections. Over time, the United States has seen significant changes in voting rights and the expansion of suffrage to include a broader segment of the population. Amendments to the Constitution, such as the 15th Amendment (granting voting rights regardless of race) and the 19th Amendment (granting voting rights to women), were crucial milestones in the expansion of voting rights in the U.S.