The United States Constitution A mini-Q

Shays rebellion, January 1787 US Continental army goes into Mass. To put down the ‘rebelling farmers with pitchforks’ How did Shays rebellion ‘scare’ the revolutionary leaders of government?

I. Hook Exercise: Constitution In A-B partners, you have 5 minutes to discuss and answer the four questions: Tyranny of states over central government Tyranny of the Chief Executive Tyranny of the President over the Judicial branch Tyranny of ‘BIG’ states over ‘little’ states We will discuss afterwards.

Philadelphia, 1787 TIME: 1780s were a tumultuous decade. FEAR the country might sink into CHAOS. PLACE: Philadelphia, PA 2nd largest city in US (28,000) Independence Hall Very hot summer. Windows- doors were kept closed to promote candid discussions. Some days were extremely uncomfortable

How Did the Constitution Guard Against Tyranny? We will read the Background Essay together. Be sure to highlight, underline any important information Answer the 5 questions in packet Be ready to explain the four BOLD terms from the essay: Constitution Articles of Confederation Frame Tyranny We must understand ‘Who is James Madison?’

James Madison, Virginia ‘Father of the US Constitution’ Only delegate to take thorough notes of convention Knew how to create a democratic framework that would last Co-wrote the Federalist Papers to ensure ratification (Alexander Hamilton & John Jay) Will become the 4th President of the United States

The Federalist Papers were written and published during the years 1787 and 1788 in several New York State newspapers to persuade New York voters to ratify the proposed constitution. consist of 85 essays outlining how this new government would operate and why this type of government was the best choice for the United States of America.

Pre-bucketing* Federalism Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Small vs. Large States

Pre-bucketing** Federalism Separation of Powers Checks & Balances Small vs. Large States FEDERALISM: theory or advocacy of federal principles for dividing powers between member units and common institutions SEPARATION OF POWERS: separation of powers amongst different branches of government (Montesquieu) CHECKS & BALANCES: set up a system of checks and balances to help ensure that no one branch became too powerful (Montesquieu) SMALL vs LARGE STATES: less populous states (Del,NJ), which were afraid that they would be overshadowed by states with larger populations

Understanding Document A The Federalist Papers: perhaps the most brilliant defense of the Constitution ever written Madison uses phrase ‘compound government’-this means federalism Concrete explanation of powers of the Federal and the State governments Reminder: the term ‘federal’ refers to a “central” or “national” government HW???

Understanding Document B May 25, 1787: the first meeting day Establishing separation of legislature, executive, judicial was quickly established Key Executive powers: enforcement of laws - make treaties – appoint judges – appoint executive department heads Key Legislative powers: create laws - approve judges - approve budgets Key Judicial powers: interpret laws - decide meaning of laws - judicial review

Understanding Document C Checks & Balances is a necessary ‘sidecar’ to separation of powers C & B are needed to protect the people Some suggestions that were not passed: President and a ‘few’ justices would review every proposal from Congress Have 1 or 2 or 3 ‘Presidents’ who could deny passage of laws for years at a time The final result: The (one) President could veto any bills from Congress Congress would then have to re-vote on the bill again

Understanding Document D State representation was the #1 issue to solve; R.I. did not even attend! Virginia Plan: representation based on population (Edmond Randolph) New Jersey Plan: each state receive one vote (William Patterson) The Great Compromise was eventually reached There would be 2 Houses in Congress Senate: one vote per state House of Representatives: votes based on population of each state

The Chickenfoot helps students develop a clear thesis by adding structure does NOT add any supporting detail

MiniQ Outline Guide provides a clear structure for organizing a ‘filled in’ essay It includes supporting detail

Opening paragraph Grabber- an opening sentence that creates the ‘mood’ Background- only 2-3 sentences; provides time, place, and situation. Restatement of question- writer’s own words assures understanding. Defining key terms- TYRANNY Thesis & roadmap- often combined into one sentence. Underline this sentence!

Body Paragraphs Baby thesis- begins the paragraph, it is your position statement. Evidence- drawn from the document (Doc A) etc. Argument- finishes this sentence “The given evidence supports the baby thesis because…”

Conclusion Can contain two of three elements: an “Although” statement recognizes a counter argument a summary of the “key argument” Explains why the author’s argument is correct The “Importance today” statement Finishes the essay with a current event(s) that is relevant.