The U.S. Constitutional Convention May 25 to September 17, 1787 Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia

Constitutional Compromises

Representation in Congress Problem Representation in Congress

Large states wanted representation based on population. "Virginia Plan"

Small states wanted equal representation. "New Jersey Plan"

“The Great Compromise” Solution Connecticut Plan “The Great Compromise” Two Houses One based on population – “House of Representatives” One based on equal representation – “Senate”

Counting slaves in state’s population for representation and taxation? Problem Counting slaves in state’s population for representation and taxation?

Southern States want to count their slaves as part of their population.

Northern States did not want to count slaves

Three-Fifths Compromise Solution Three-Fifths Compromise Every 5 slaves in a state would count as 3 free people toward representation. 3/5

The Preamble (handout) This introduction states why the constitution was written. to form a more perfect union (states cooperate and work together) :recognize drivers licenses, marriage licenses, do business across state lines establish justice (equality and fairness of law for everyone) :courts, fair police treatment, right to an attorney, rights of the accused, no racial profiling insure domestic tranquility (peace at home in the U.S., no riots, no crime, no domestic violence, no wife beating, bullying, or fights) :policing, education, social programs provide for the common defense (protection from war and terrorism) :army, navy, air force, marines, CIA, military treaties, Homeland Security, promote the general welfare (protect the well being of people) :safe water, food, medicine, schools, roads, hospitals, trash pickup secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity (guarantee our rights and our children’s rights, for all future generations) :amendments, civil rights laws, hate crime laws, right to an attorney, court systems, due process, lawsuits

Article I Establishes the legislative branch of government Creates a two house congress (bicameral) Specifies powers granted to congress

Article II Establishes the Executive Branch of government Describes the procedures for the election, installation and removal of the president Outlines the powers and duties of the president

Article III Establishes the Judicial Branch of government Provides for the establishment of the Supreme court and other federal courts Defines treason and punishment for treason

Article IV Defines the relations among the states Ensures that each state recognizes the laws of other states Guarantees extradition of criminals between states Outlines how new states may enter the union

Article V Outlines how the Constitution can be amended An amendment can be proposed by 2/3 of Congress or it can be proposed by 2/3 of the states calling for a convention (never happened) An amendment can be ratified by ¾ of the state legislatures or by convention of ¾ of the states (never happened)

Article VI Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as supreme when in conflict with laws of the states Known as the supremacy clause

Article VII Describes how the Constitution was to be ratified Required approval of only 9 of the 13 original states Federalists wanted it ratified as it was, Anti-Federalists wanted a bill of rights added The constitution went into effect in June of 1788

Amendments There are 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution The first 10 amendments are known as the “Bill of Rights” The first Amendment contains many of our civil rights Freedom of speech Freedom of religion Freedom of the press Freedom of assembly Freedom of petition