? Constitutional Convention The

After a great night’s sleep (despite the ridiculous heat) you’re ready for another day of negotiations. 2

New Hampshire Virginia New York New Jersey Connecticut South Carolina Georgia Massachusetts North Carolina Please find your seat along with the other delegates from your state. Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania 3

After an exhausting but successful first day we have more difficult issues to resolve today. We will attempt to decide how slaves will count for representation and what form the presidency will take. 4

“I promise not to divulge to the public what is discussed at this convention.” After yesterday’s arguments it should be clear why we need to keep these discussions private. Therefore, we will now again take a vow of secrecy and secure the Assembly Room. A guard has been posted at the door to ensure secrecy. We will now close the door and shut the windows and curtains. 5

Today, you, the delegates of the Constitutional Convention, are working to resolve two issues: Will slaves be counted for purposes of representation and will the presidency be made up or one single person or a group of three? 6

Proposal A Slaves will be counted. Should slaves be counted in state populations to determine representatives in the Congress?  Proposal A Slaves will be counted. Proposal B Slaves will not be counted. The first issue to resolve is that of counting slaves. Review your State Perspectives reading to learn about your state’s views on the issue of how slaves should be counted in the new government. You will defend this view and try to convince other delegates to join your side during the Constitutional Convention. You must accurately portray your state’s view – even if you personally disagree. If your proposal is chosen, you will receive 10 extra credit points. So represent your state‘s view faithfully! 7

Proposal A Delegates will now prepare for the debate. Go to the corner of the room where other delegates who agree with your proposal are meeting. If you agree with more than one proposal, choose one corner. You have five minutes to mingle with like-minded delegates in your corner to quickly discuss ways to defend your proposal. Time is up. Return to your state delegations. Proposal B 8

Proposal A Slaves will be counted. Should slaves be counted in state populations to determine representatives in the Congress?  Proposal A Slaves will be counted. Proposal B Slaves will not be counted. Each state will now choose a proposal. Each state delegation will get to cast one vote. ALL of the delegates in each group must agree on a proposal or the delegation will not be allowed to cast its vote. In your state’s delegation, decide which proposal you will support during the debate and prepare arguments in favor of it. Remember to accurately represent your state’s view on the issue. 9

Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals. Should slaves be counted in state populations to determine representatives in the Congress?  Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals. Step 2 The nomination is seconded by another state. Step 3 The nomination is discussed and debated for 3 to 5 minutes. Step 4 The nomination is voted upon. In order to pass, the vote must be unanimous. Step 5 If the proposal does not pass, repeat the process with a new nomination. This issue is so potentially destructive that we will need a unanimous vote. If we take a simple majority some states may walk out of the Convention entirely. With Rhode Island already boycotting we simply cannot have that happen. Unanimity is the only option. 10

Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals. Should slaves be counted in state populations to determine representatives in the Congress?  Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals. Step 2 The nomination is seconded by another state. Step 3 The nomination is discussed and debated for 3 to 5 minutes. Step 4 The nomination is voted upon. In order to pass, the vote must be unanimous. Step 5 If the proposal does not pass, repeat the process with a new nomination. We are deadlocked! Since neither proposals has passed we must come up with a compromise or our nation will fail! If a compromise is not reached within 10 minutes, each student will lose 10 points. For the next few minutes, meet in your state delegations and create a compromise to propose to the convention. Make sure your compromise will satisfy all the states. Let us try again to make a decision on how slaves should be counted. There are only a few more minutes to find a compromise before everyone will lose 10 points! Use the steps shown here for each proposal of a compromise. 11

Well, that was kind of rough Well, that was kind of rough. With that behind us this remaining question should be no sweat. So, will the presidency be made up or one single person or a group of three? 13

How should the presidency of the nation be set up? Proposal A One person will serve as president. Proposal B A 3 person team will serve as president. Review your State Perspective reading to learn about your state’s views on the issue of the presidency. This time you may argue for whichever proposal you personally think is best. You do not have to follow your State’s position. It should help provide you with ideas but you are free to go your own way. 14

Proposal A Delegates will now prepare for the debate. Go to the corner of the room where other delegates who agree with your proposal are meeting. If you agree with more than one proposal, choose one corner. You have five minutes to mingle with like-minded delegates in your corner to quickly discuss ways to defend your proposal. Time is up. Return to your state delegations. Proposal B 15

How should the presidency of the nation be set up? Proposal A One person will serve as president. Proposal B A 3 person team will serve as president. Each state will now choose a proposal. Each state delegation will get to cast one vote. ALL of the delegates in each group must agree on a proposal or the delegation will not be allowed to cast its vote. In your state’s delegation, decide which proposal you will support during the debate and prepare arguments in favor of it. Remember to accurately represent your state’s view on the issue. 16

How should the presidency of the nation be set up? Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals and the nomination is seconded by another state. Step 2 The nomination is discussed and debated for 3 to 5 minutes. Step 3 A second state delegation nominates the other proposal and it is seconded by another state. Step 4 The nomination is discussed and debated for 3 to 5 minutes. Step 5 We vote on the two proposals. Since we are tired, it is hot and the truly divisive issues are behind us I think can all agree that a simple majority of the states will be enough for this decision. However, I want to make sure all voices are heard in this debate so this time both sides will present their cases before we vote. 17

Gentlemen, I do believe we have done it Gentlemen, I do believe we have done it. I realize that some of you are still not happy with this document but for the good of the nation I ask you to support it. It is time to sign the Constitution. As your state is called if your delegate signed then come up and trace over his signature. If he did not explain why to the congress and sneer angrily at those who sign. 18