The Constitutional Convention Just as Rome was not built in one day, neither was our government crafted in one day!

What problems prompted the convention? Pressure from England, France, and Spain Disputes between states (borders and duties) Taxes and worthless money Weak central government Shays Rebellion

Who were our founding fathers? Young men with an average age of 40 A majority of them were lawyers, merchants, and planters. (Men of the upper class) Many served in the Continental Congress 39 served in the Confederation Congress

George Washington was voted in as the Chair of the Convention Benjamin Franklin was the oldest member at 82 James Madison was probably the most prepared in that he studied up on various forms of governments Madison also transcribed debates from the convention which is how we learned of the proceedings of the convention

Goal of the Convention Official Goal - To alter the Articles of Confederation Modified Goal - Scrap the Articles and create a new government

Questions that had to be answered! Should representation in the national legislature be determined by population or should each state have an equal numbers or votes? If representation were based on population, how should slaves be regarded - as people or as property? How should the chief executive be chosen? What powers should be reserved for the states? Should the new constitution, like many state constitutions include a bill of rights that lists the most important rights and freedoms of the people? What rights should the people have?

Virginia Plan Created a National Government Called for two houses (bicameral) which would be based upon population Government had the power to pass laws and tax It could Veto state laws It could use military force against the states

New Jersey Plan One house with equal representation Each state received one vote Government could raise taxes Regulate interstate commerce Use military force against the states Establish courts to force the states to adhere to the laws Made Congressional law and treaties the supreme law of the land

Connecticut Plan Created a Federal Government - Powers shared between State and National governments Two houses (bicameral) –lower house based upon population –upper house has equal representation National Government could not veto the states

Achievements Forced states to stop coining money and created one common currency Created three branches with checks and balances to limit power All government officials have to swear to uphold the law of the land The Constitution and treaties are the supreme law of the land

What was the 3/5 compromise and how is it related to the Connecticut compromise? Establishes representation for the South Every five slaves counts as three people.

In what do a Federalist and an Anti-federalist believe? Use page 215!