The Constitutional Convention

Essential Questions What did the delegates hope to achieve at the Constitutional Convention? What issues divided the convention? How did they reach agreement? What is the structure of the government under the Constitution? Ch. 5-2

Key Terms Constitutional Convention US Constitution Amend Veto Great Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise Federal system of government Separation of powers Checks and balances Electoral college

The Convention Meets In 1785, representatives from Maryland and Virginia had met at Washington's house to settle business disputes at their border. In 1786, they invited representatives from all the states to Annapolis, MD. Only 5 states showed up. Then, Shays' Rebellion happened. In 1787, 12 of the 13 states (not RI) met in Philadelphia to propose amendments to the Articles of Confederation.

The Convention Meets When the delegates arrived, they closed the doors and James Madison of Virginia proposed a plan to throw out the Articles and write a new plan.

Divisions First, they elected Washington as president of the convention unanimously. Then, the arguing began over whether to simply amend, or change, the Articles, or start over.

Divisions The Virginia Plan -Legislature can tax and regulate commerce. -Legislature can veto state laws. -Can use the army against the states. -Would also be an executive and judicial branch. -Congress distributed based on population. The New Jersey Plan -Congress can tax and regulate commerce. -Would create executive and judicial branches. -Every state has equal vote in Congress.

Divisions The Great (CT) Compromise -Two-house Legislature. -Upper house (Senate) is 2 from each state. -Lower house (House of Representatives) is divided based on population. Three-Fifths Compromise -Three-fifths of slave populations would be counted towards population for dividing the lower house.

Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Constitution Number of Houses in Legislature 2 - Bicameral 1 - Unicameral How Representation is Determined By each state's population -or- Based on how much financial support each state contributes to the national government. Equal representation for each state. Equal representation in the Senate. House of Representatives divided by population. How Representatives are Chosen Popular vote for the House of Representatives. Senators nominated by state governments. Elected by state governments. Popular vote for House, State Legislatures pick Senate.

Structure of the Government

Structure of the Government

Structure of the Government

Congress The House and the Senate each have powers that the other doesn't: -The Senate is closer to the President, and can advise him/her on treaties and appointments. -Bills that spend money must originate in the House. Only Congress can print money, declare war, raise an army and navy, and regulate business. Congress has the power to pass any law that it reasonably needs to carry out its powers.

The President The President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress, is the commander-in-chief of the military, and chooses judges for national courts. The President is elected not by the people, but by the electoral college. The Electoral College gives each state votes equal to the number of Senators and Representatives, who get to elect the President.

Federal Courts Federal judges are independent of the people – they are chosen by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Also, they generally serve for life.