The Constitutional Convention

Successes of the Articles of Confederation Northwest Ordinance Divided the Northwest Territory into smaller territories, each governed by a territorial governor 5,000 free adult males=could elect its own legislature 60,000=could apply to Congress to become a state

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation No power to: Tax Raise $ for an army or navy control trade among the states enforce laws with an Executive Branch

So Leaders Created A Constitution 55 delegates White Males Statesmen, lawyers, planters. bankers, businessmen Most under age 50

Virginia Plan (favored by large states) government with a bicameral legislature Large house elected by popular vote Smaller house chosen by lager house members from nominees chosen by state legislatures Number of Representatives based on wealth

New Jersey Plan (favored by small states) Unicameral house Each state one vote Did not require a strong central government

The Great Compromise Bicameral house- benefit all states One house called Senate Members chosen by the state legislatures Each state gets one vote One house called House of Representatives Members chosen by population Number of members based on population

3/5ths Compromise favors Southern states All slaves would be counted in the census for representation in the House as 3/5ths

Electoral College People chosen by the state legislatures Vote for president and vice-president Supposed to reflect the will of the people

Agreements and Compromises Executive – Presidents make executive agreements with other countries. Not a delegated power Do not have to be ratified by the Senate

Agreements and Compromises Judicial- Judicial review- the power of the court to interpret the Constitution Judicial power to determine if a law is unconstitutional

Principles of the Constitution Popular Sovereignty- the people rule. The power of the government is based on the consent of the governed. Separation of powers- the division of the government into three separate branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Federalists Vs. Anti-Federalists When Constitution was sent to states for ratification (approval), Americans split into two on the issue: 1.) anti-federalists (felt document gave too much power to central gov’t, not enough for states and people) 2.) Federalists (supported strong central gov’t)