The Constitutional Convention The Miracle of Philadelphia

Early Meetings Mt. Vernon Convention (1785)- Va. & Md. meet and settle trade issues Annapolis Convention (1786)- 5 states met to attempt to solve trade problems Delegates include Hamilton & Madison No settlements Heard about Shay’s Rebellion Hamilton calls for meeting of all 13 colonies to amend the Articles

The Constitutional Convention Met in Philadelphia Convened on May 25, 1787 Decided to hold closed meetings so delegates could speak their minds Washington as President

“the world’s most civilized revolutionaries” Jefferson called it a “gathering of demi-gods” Mostly lawyers All men of property Nearly half were college graduates Most had experience in Congress

A Fateful Decision Were authorized by Congress and states to amend the Articles Unanimous feeling the Articles were unfixable Immediately decided to replace

The Father of the Constitution James Madison authors the Virginia Plan Edmund Randolph presents to Congress Bicameral legislature Rep. both houses based on population Executive chosen by Congress Congress could veto state laws Rejected by small states

The Small States Reply William Patterson presents the New Jersey Plan Keep current Congress 1 vote per state Could tax and collect Multiple executive (5) Judiciary appointed by Congress National laws > states

The Connecticut Compromise Representation issue nearly wrecks the Convention Franklin says a compromise is needed Roger Sherman presents the Great Compromise Bicameral leg.- House of Rep.-population- reps the people Senate- equal-reps. the states All revenue bills begin in the House

Presidential Compromise Very concerned about a powerful executive branch Assumed Washington would be the first POTUS Compromised by indirectly electing the POTUS with the electoral college Believed the House of Reps. would usually choose the POTUS

Slavery?!? Two compromises on slavery 3/5 Compromise- slaves count as 3/5 of a person for determining representation in Congress Slave Trade Compromise- Congress could not interfere with the importation of slaves for 20 years

Trade Compromises Two Compromises on trade Congress can tax imports but not exports Can regulate interstate trade commerce clause

Passage Signed by 39 delegates on Sept. 17, 1787 Some left or refused to sign Had to be ratified by 9 of 12 states