The Constitutional Convention: Out with the Old, In with the NEW!

Why was Constitutional Convention necessary? First system of gov’t = Articles of Confederation was a failure Major structural problems

Major Problems of the Articles of Confederation State gov’t had most of the power National gov’t had very little power Continental Congress had delegates from each state; however, each state only got one vote 2/3rds majority to pass any laws Unanimous vote to amend the Articles Nothing was getting done

Additional Problems No common currency Tariffs = tax on imported goods Made trade between the states more difficult

More Problems No national army No national court system No chief executive Major boundary disputes between the states

States Claims Out West

Biggest Problem Inability to pay war debts The states and the national gov’t owed huge sum of money National gov’t has no taxing authority Some states print more paper money to solve this problem – creates a bigger problem Shays’ Rebellion

Constitutional Convention (1787) Leaders from 12 of the 13 states gather in Philadelphia Agree to keep their proceedings an absolute secret George Washington chosen to lead the Convention The Convention lasts throughout the summer of 1787

Influenced by the Enlightenment Thinkers John Locke: Consent of the governed Natural rights = “life, liberty, and property” Gov’t must protect these rights Montesquieu: Divide gov’t into three branches Legislative = make the law Executive = execute or carry out the law Judicial = interpret the law Voltaire: Freedom of speech Separation of Church & State

So what did they come up with? School House Rocks “REPUBLIC” ~ not a pure “democracy” Ideas from Greek and Roman gov’ts Greek words = “demos & kratos” = power to the people

Compromise is the Key Legislative Branch: Virginia Plan ~ favored the big states New Jersey Plan ~ favored the small states The Great Compromise ~ introduced by Connecticut Two bodies (bicameral): House of Rep’s (population) and the Senate (2 per state)

Legislative Branch Today

How many Presidents? Council of Presidents? One President? How should he/she be elected? Decision: One President elected by an electoral college Electoral College Video

Slavery & Representation How would slaves count in the population? Southern states = yes, they should ~ more representation in the House of Rep’s Northern states = no! 3/5ths Compromise = only 3/5ths of the slave population would count

Three Branches Legislative Branch (Congress) ~ make the laws Executive Branch (President) ~ execute or carry out the law Judicial Branch (the Courts) ~ interpret the law

Will the Constitution be approved? 9 out of 13 states must approve it Lots of skepticism Two main groups: Federalists ~ support the new constitution Anti-Federalists ~ oppose the new constitution