1787

Soldiers forcibly prevent courts in western Mass. from sitting, fearful of losing their property to creditors/tax collectors Mass. Governor asks Continental Congress to send troops to suppress rebellion -They can’t raise money or manpower Didn’t have state militia; had to raise funds for volunteer army Inspired delegates to attend convention who otherwise wouldn’t have gone

Convention set for May 1787 in Philadelphia Advertised as a revising of the AoC, but ended with an entirely new Constitution Had state constitutions as models Pennsylvania- radically democratic, unicameral legislature, no governor (example of tyranny by concentrating powers- disenfranchised Quakers) Massachusetts – less democratic, weak, separation of powers, governor elected, judges serve for life, officials must swear they are Christian, citizen=property owner

The Framers 55 delegates 74 invited, 55 attended Rhode Island refused to send any delegates Mostly young but experienced 8 signers of the Declaration 7 Governors 34 lawyers 39 former members of the Congress of the Confederation Several wealthy, most well to do 1/3 veterans of the Continental army 3 physicians ½ college graduates 6 large plantation owners 8 important businesspersons

How to create a government strong enough to preserve order but not so strong as to threaten liberty Washington selected as President, Virginia delegation introduced the draft created by Madison (who also took detailed notes of the convention) Split on many issues: -strong national but limited authority, monarchy, trust common man, claims to western lands

Strong national union with three branches Legislative branch made up of two houses, one elected by people, second selected by first house Executive selected by legislature, judiciary appointed by legislature National legislature had supreme powers on all matters separate states couldn’t act on and could veto any state laws

Amended Articles of Confederation Each state had one vote, regardless of population -big issue for small states Congress able to regulate trade and impose taxes Several people, elected by Congress, would form executive branch *If introduced first it probably would have passed, but delegates were already considering the Virginia Plan

aka the Great Compromise or the Connecticut Compromise House of Representatives based on population, elected by the people Senate with two Senators per state, chosen by state legislatures

Electoral college (Congress appoints vs. direct election) Presidential term (3, 7, life?) Selection process of Supreme Court justices (Senate vs. Pres) No export taxes (South insisted) 3/5 compromise Plan adopted July 16, 1787 and approved by all states September 17.

Preamble Articles (7) Amendments

Declares people are the authority for the Constitution (unlike the AoC which derived authority from the states) Sets out the purposes of the Constitution Form a more perfect union Establish justice Insure domestic tranquility Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Secure the blessings of liberty for us and our posterity

Article I Organization and powers of the legislative branch 1. Legislative powers 2. House of Representatives 3. The Senate 4. Congressional Elections 5. Powers and duties of the houses 6. Rights of members 7. Legislative powers: bills and resolutions 8. Powers of Congress 9. Powers denied to Congress 10. Powers denied to the states

Article II The Executive Branch 1. Nature and scope of Presidential powers 2. Powers of the president 3. Duties of the president 4. Impeachment Article III The Judicial Branch 1. Judicial powers, court, judges 2. Jurisdiction 3. Treason

Article IV Relations Among the States 1. Full faith and credit 2. Treatment of citizens 3. Admissions of states 4. Republican form of government Article V - Methods of Amendment Article VI - National Supremacy Article VII - Ratification

Currently ,000 have been introduced! -33 have gone to states for ratification Amendments 1-10 = Bill of Rights