The Creation and Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Second Continental Congress In 1775, each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to this gathering in Philadelphia. Served as the first government of the United States from 1776 to 1781, when the Articles of Confederation were written

In addition to economic & political problems brought on by the Revolutionary War, issues with the articles began to surface.

The Constitutional Convention Philadelphia, May 1787 55 delegates (called Framers)from 12 states

The Framers Drew Inspiration From: Prior experiences in government the Second Continental Congress, the Articles of Confederation & their own State governments Well educated & widely read Classical governments of Greece and Rome Writings of: (see pg. 53) William Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England Charles de Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws Rousseau’s Social Contract Locke’s Two Treaties of Government

It’s all about compromise. Small states v. large states Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) State’s rights v. federal power Presidency Compromise Slave states v. free states Three-Fifths Compromise

Ratifying the Constitution 9 states needed Federalists v. Anti-federalists Even though New Hampshire was the 9th state to ratify, success of the Constitution depended on the key states of New York and Virginia

-James Madison (Father of the Constitution) -Alexander Hamilton -Patrick Henry -John Hancock -Samuel Adams

The New Government The Constitution took effect in 1789 Washington is inaugurated as 1st President of the U.S.