Philadelphia Convention a.k.a. Constitutional Convention 1787 – set up “for the sole and express purpose of amending the Articles of Confederation”

Philadelphia Convention 55 delegates from 12 states met in the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall). Most men were upper class Americans (lawyers, planters and merchants). Remember, most of America was farmers at the time.

Most famous delegates

Most famous delegates Ben Franklin George Washington Alexander Hamilton James Madison (“Father of the Constitution”)

Find the “Big 4”

Who’s this guy?

Who was NOT in Philly?

Delegates NOT in Philly Thomas Jefferson John Adams Sam Adams Patrick Henry Thomas Paine John Hancock

The Convention: “Bundle of Compromises” Once they dumped the Articles they started discussing (after taking a vow of secrecy) the “new” constitution. Much discussion and conflict led them to 4 main compromises: Great Compromise 3/5 Compromise Executive Compromise Trade and Commerce Compromise

The Convention: “Bundle of Compromises” Great Compromise - Congress Large states wanted representation in Congress based on population. [Virginia Plan] Small states wanted representation in Congress to be equal (like it was under the Articles). [NJ Plan] Compromise: Bicameral legislature (Congress) made up of the House of Representatives (population) and the Senate (2 per state). [Conn. Plan]

The Convention: “Bundle of Compromises” 2. 3/5 Compromise – Representation of slaves Now that population determined representation in the House of Representatives, the Southern states wanted to count their slaves (but not for taxation!) The Northern states did not want them counted. Compromise: Each slave would = 3/5 of a person for the population/House of Reps. 5 slaves=3 people

The Convention: “Bundle of Compromises” 3. Executive Compromise – President Not having a leader wasn’t working. How long would he serve? Who would elect him? Compromise: A President elected for a 4 year term by the Electoral College. Indirect democracy! Can’t trust the masses? www.270towin.com

The Convention: “Bundle of Compromises” 4. Trade and Commerce – slave trade/exports Should the states control it like under the Articles? Should the new Federal Gov’t control it? Compromise: States would control intrastate trade (within your state) and the Federal Gov’t would control interstate trade (between states) and foreign trade (with other countries). No export duties allowed. Slave trade would be OK until 1808—20 years.

National Constitution Center: Home

To Ratify the Constitution Needed: 9 of 13 states To Ratify the Constitution

To ratify the Constitution or not Federalists Anti-federalist For Constitution: good balance between state and federal power Don’t need a Bill of Rights Against Constitution: thought national government to strong Need a guarantee of rights- Bill of Rights

Federalists give in… If Constitution ratified (9 of 13), they will add a Bill of Rights New Hampshire is the 9th state to ratify the Constitution on June 21st 1788 (9 months after Constitution Day)

But what about NY & Virginia? Two of biggest and most influential states Federalists and Anti-Federalist duke it out John Jay, James Madison Alexander Hamilton Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams

What do you notice? Order Date State Yes No #1 December 7, 1787 Delaware 30 0 #2 December 11, 1787 Pennsylvania 46 23 #3 December 18, 1787 New Jersey 38 0 #4 January 2, 1788 Georgia 26 0 #5 January 9, 1788 Connecticut 128 40 #6 February 6, 1788 Massachusetts 187 168 #7 April 26, 1788 Maryland 63 11 #8 May 23, 1788 South Carolina 149 73 #9 June 21, 1788 New Hampshire 57 47 #10 June 25, 1788 Virginia 89 79 #11 July 26, 1788 New York 30 27 #12 November 21, 1789 North Carolina 194 77 #13 May 29, 1790 Rhode Island 34 32

¾ of states must ratify to become an amendment Bill of Rights Added 12 amendments submitted to state legislatures in Sept. 1789… ¾ of states must ratify to become an amendment

This leads to later Amendments... 1st 10 Amendments Approved by 1791 One of the original 12 will be ratified in 1992 and become the 27th Amendment! These protections and freedoms do not apply to all Americans…yet! This leads to later Amendments...