The Constitutional Convention and Its Product APUSH Ms. Weston 9/27/12

Why a Constitutional Convention? Problems with commerce! Congress follows Hamilton’s call to REVISE the Articles of Confederation. Delegates NOT chosen directly by people! Resulted in a select group of propertied men. Such as:

Moderates like: Not the most revolutionary leaders—they stayed home!

Priorities of Delegates Conservative and wealthy Many slave owners NATIONALISTS Stable political structure that would last. Ensure security of new nation—especially from “mobocracy” To do this—MUST GET RID OF ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION and create NEW system of government.

Large states vs. Small States Issue of representation: Large states wanted based on population (Virginia), Small states wanted equal representation (New Jersey) Almost led to deadlock. Agree to Great Compromise.

Powerful Presidency Wanted strong authority figure for new country. President given important powers, but not absolute—SEPARATION OF POWERS.

Other Key Provisions Electoral college 3/5ths Compromise Indirect election of president Both large states and small states can benefit 3/5ths Compromise Continue slave trade until 1807.

A Conservative Constitution Wanted to protect economic and political interests. Sound economy and private property Kept lower-classes and blacks from voting Election of senators and federal judges INDIRECT!!!

Some Democratic Elements Consent of the governed Limited government Power of the people—”We the People”…

Battle for Ratification Change the law of unanimity– would become law when 9 states ratified. Went over the head of the Articles, and State Legislatures directly to the people.

Federalists vs. Antifederalists Wealthy, often powerful Lived in settled areas, on coast Educated Controlled the press

Federalists vs. Antifederalists ctnd. Included many revolutionaries Mainly people devoted to states rights, lived in backcountry, small farmers. Believed Constitution was plot by upper class to get even more power from common folk. Criticized Constitution for taking away freedom of states and individuals.

Ratification The Federalists had to promise the Antifederalists that a Bill of Rights would be drawn up soon after ratification. 9 states ratified by 1788.

Lagging States Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. RATIFIED BECAUSE THEY HAD TO! In New York—The Federalist plays key role Anonymously written by Hamilton and Madison Propaganda in favor of Constitution Federalist No.10– proved was possible to extend a republican form of government over the large territory of US.

A Conservative Triumph? ¼ adult males in country elected delegates who ratified Constitution. Safe-guards built in to protect against rebels and mobs. Ex: Indirect elections, lifetime appointments

Republicanism Survived Separation of powers– but all were meant to represent the people. Balance between liberty and order.

Multiple Choice Practice 28.The "Great Compromise" in the Constitutional Convention provided that A. a. the House of Representatives would be elected by the people and the Senate by the state legislatures. B. b. the large states would be taxed on the basis of population and the small states on the basis of territory. C. c. there would be separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. D. d. there would be representation by population in the House of Representatives but equal representation of all states in the Senate. 29.Antifederalists generally found their greatest support among A. a. small states like Delaware and New Jersey. B. b. the commercial areas of the eastern seaboard. C. c. the poorer debtors and farmers. D. d. the wealthy and well educated.