Constitution Day Lesson

SS.7.C.1.5 – identify how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the Constitution.   SS.7.C.1.8 – Explain the viewpoints of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the ratification of the Constitution and the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 55 DELEGATES SELECTED BY THEIR STATES MAY 25, 1787 INDEPENDENCE HALL 55 DELEGATES SELECTED BY THEIR STATES

The Purpose of the Convention

To revise the “Articles of Confederation” – the first form of government for the new states after the American Revolution. The “Articles” had been in effect for almost 10 years and had major weaknesses that had become apparent to the leaders in the new republic. The delegates were specifically sent to Philadelphia to change / revise the Articles. They were NOT given permission to create a new form of government.

To revise the “Articles of Confederation” the first form of government for the new states after the American Revolution.

The “Articles” had been in effect for almost 10 years and had major weaknesses that had become apparent to the leaders in the new republic.

The delegates were specifically sent to Philadelphia to change or revise the Articles. They were NOT given permission to create a new government.

WHY CHANGE TO A NEW FORM OF GOVERNMENT….WEAKNESSES OF ARTICLES…? CONGRESS NO POWER TO COLLECT TAXES. CONGRESS NO POWER TO REGULATE TRADE – STATE OR INTERNATIONAL. CONGRESS HAD TO POWER TO ENFORCE LAWS. NO SINGLE LEADER OR GROUP – (NO PRESIDENT) NO NATIONAL COURT SYSTEM TO PASS LAWS REQUIRED THE APPROVAL OF 9 STATES – VERY DIFFICULT TO GET. NO CHANGES TO THE ARTICLE WITHOUT UNANIMOUS APPROVAL OF ALL 13 STATES – NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE.

2 Major Plans VIRGINIA PLAN – James Madison, more power to the large states who had larger populations – thus more representatives. Had a President, courts, and a Congress with 2 houses. NEW JERSEY PLAN – proposed by William Patterson of New Jersey. Kept a 1-house Congress, each state would have one vote, Congress would have the power to tax, regulate trade. Keep equal power with larger states – one vote each.

The Great Compromise Roger Sherman of Connecticut proposed a two house Congress. Representatives based upon population and 2 Senators per state.

Other Compromises THREE-FIFTHS COMPROMISE – 550,000 slaves lived in the U.S. with most living in the south. These states hoped to count the slaves for population and increase the number of representatives to the House of Reps. Each slave counts as three/fifths of a free man. Electoral College – delegates selected by the each states legislature that would select the President and V.P. Delegates feared the public voting on such important positions, and felt the Congress should elect the President and V.P.

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists Federalists favored ratification – stronger central government. Anti-Federalists – opposed ratification – feared a strong central government – felt there were no personal freedoms guaranteed.

Bill of Rights To appease the Anti-Federalists a list of rights was included known as the Bill of Rights.