Writing the Constitution What was the event that caused the founders to change the Articles of Confederation? Shays’ Rebellion

Why the Dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation? Americans found the new government too weak to solve the nation’s problems. The Solution…..

The New Jersey Plan The Virginia Plan Branches Branches Legislature Three: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative was most powerful Branches Three: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature appoints executive, and executive selects justices. Legislature Two houses (bicameral) The House of Representatives and the Senate determined by population. Legislature One house (unicameral) States are represented equally Other Powers Legislature could regulate interstate trade, strike down unconstitutional laws, and enforce laws. Other Powers The national government could tax, regulate trade, as well as approve state laws.

The Great Compromise But will this compromise make EVERYONE happy? Also known as the Connecticut Compromise Bicameral Congress Established Senate with equal representation House of Representative with membership based on population of states Made federal law the supreme law of the land States given much authority to govern themselves But will this compromise make EVERYONE happy?

The Three-Fifths Compromise Placated Southern states Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation purposes

Slavery Original attempt to abolish Ultimately allowed Three-Fifths Compromise Slave trade must end, however Northern states already abolishing slavery in state constitutions

Limit Authority of National Government Limited powers of national government to those identified in Constitution Establishment of three-branches of government Legislative, Executive, & Judicial Checks & Balances

Checks and Balances

Key Leaders of the Convention George Washington Chairman of Convention Added prestige to Convention

James Madison 3 Branches of Government Basis of Constitution “Father of the Constitution” From Virginia Authored the “Virginia Plan” 3 Branches of Government Basis of Constitution Authored the “Bill of Rights” Political philosopher Studied governments Records proceedings Best records of events

James Madison Bill of Rights Consulted many documents to write Bill of Rights including: VA Declaration of Rights VA Statute for Religious Freedom

George Mason Virginia Declaration of Rights Basic human rights should not be violated by governments

Thomas Jefferson Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom Outlawed establishment of religion (no gov’t support for one religion)

Ratification of the Constitution Not everyone was happy with the new Constitution… Quickly, two opposing groups emerged: Federalists and Anti-Federalists .

Federalists and Anti-Federalists Wanted a strong central government. This would help promote economic development and public improvements. George Washington and James Madison Modern day liberals. Feared a strong central government. Thought this would threaten the rights of individuals and the states. Patrick Henry and George Mason Modern day conservatives.

The Nation Grows Northwest Ordinance of 1787 New States: Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin Land Ordinance of 1784

Review of Federalists and Anti-Federalists See handout for arguments of Federalists and Anti- Federalists Both sides argued back and forth. The Federalists wrote essays supporting ratification of the Constitution that were published as pamphlets and later became known as The Federalist Papers.

Bill of Rights First Ten Amendments First Amendment Freedoms Speech Press Assembly Religion

Bill of Rights Activity! Some Background: Gabrielle Giffords Shooting, Tucson, AZ http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/arizona- congresswoman-shot-12571482 Westboro Baptist Church http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIFA1ii2tOg&featur e=fvwrel