We Need a new government Constitutional Convention

What gives a government authority? Essential Question What gives a government authority?

The Last Straw: Shay’s Rebellion Americans were angry because state governments began to require that taxes be paid in specie: gold or silver coin Most Americans did not have enough specie to pay their debt. The government began to take their land and possessions. Led to rebellion in many states Demonstrated that Americans would stand up to a government that acted against the people.

Issues to Consider The Articles of Confederation: Had a weak central government Had no power to tax Had no national military Relied on the states for money Had no court system to settle disputes

What do we do? The founders met in secret in Philadelphia to discuss how to fix the government. 2 questions: Do we try to fix the Articles of Confederation? Do we create a new government document? Why did the founders meet in secret?

Getting to work… The founders decided to create a new document rather than amend the old one. James Madison led the group to decide how to organize the new government. Two plans emerge: The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan

The Great Compromise

ACTIVITY In your groups, brainstorm 2 arguments in favor of the Great Compromise and 2 arguments against the compromise