Objectives SWBAT analyze how the Constitution solved the problems with the Articles of Confederation. SWBAT compare the views of the Federalists and Anti Federalists. SWBAT explain the Bill of Rights and how it extended the Constitution

Constitutional Compromises CE Notes 13-14

So you are at the Constitutional Convention and our purpose is to fix all of the problems with the Articles and create a new government. First tell me what the major problems were with the Articles… Weaknesses/Problems:

Should we make changes, or should we start over with a new government? People might think we’re going too far, but there are too many problems with the Articles of Confederation to simply make changes. Also we just had a major rebellion, Shays’ Rebellion, where farmers/former Rev. war soldiers threatened to take over the gov’t because they weren’t being paid. George Washington had to stop the rebellion. We need to start over with a new government (and this time we will have a strong national gov’t with an Executive branch and a Judicial branch).

The Constitution is the Solution! US Constitution: Written at the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention in 1787. 13 states ratified (accepted) the Constitution by 1790. Solutions to problems of the Articles: Stronger national government 3 branches (Executive, Legislative, Judiciary) Balances states rights and the rights of the federal gov’t. New Powers: collect taxes, regulate domestic and foreign commerce, raise an army.

You represent your state! It took a long time to get EVERY state to agree on these solutions. Many compromises had to be made. Remember we need all the states to agree if it will ever work and the nation will stay together Finally, each state wants to get the best possible deal for itself.

DEBATE #1: Deciding representation in Legislature/Congress: Virginia Plan: # of representatives would depend on the state’s population (proportional representation). The larger the state, the more people you have representing you in Congress. VS. New Jersey Plan: Each state has the same (equal) # of representatives It doesn’t matter whether you have a small or large population, every state has the same # of representatives in Congress.

Constitutional Convention Vote #1 Based on your opinion choose a plan for the legislature. Your options are: The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan Explain: I chose the ____________ plan because…

The Compromise Connecticut Compromise AKA the Great Compromise: 2 branches of the legislature (bicameral).  US Congress with a House and a Senate 1. Senate: every state has 2 representatives 2. House of Representatives: proportional representation based on population

Name that plan: Small states would have liked this plan for the legislature the best:__________ Large states would have liked this plan for the legislature the best:__________ This plan supported proportional representation:_____________ This plan thought every state should have the same number of representatives in Congress:__________ The Senate has the type of representation that the _____________ plan wanted. The House has the type of representation that the ____________ plan wanted.

Debate #2 Slavery Issues Should we end slavery or not? North: YES, we should end slavery South: NO, we should NOT end slavery Should slaves count towards representation in the legislature? More slaves in your state means more Reps in the legislature!

Constitutional Convention Vote #2 Should we end slavery? Vote YES or NO on slavery depending on what your state would have wanted. Explain: I voted _______ to end slavery because…

Constitutional Convention Vote #3 Should slaves be counted for representation in the legislature? Vote YES they should be counted, or NO they should not be counted based on what would benefit your state. Explain: I voted _______ slaves _________ (should or should not) be counted towards representation because…

Resolving the Slavery Issue The Slave Trade Compromise: The Framers do not end slavery, but they do end the Slave Trade by 1808. The 3/5 Compromise: Slaves will count as 3/5 of a regular citizen. 5 slaves = 3 people for representation in Legislature.

DEBATE # 3 Should we have a strong national government or strong state government? FEDERALISTS: wanted a strong national gov’t with power over the states (Federalism) Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Ben Franklin Supported manufacturing and industry Creditors (wealthy) Loose interpretation of Constitutionread it to expand federal power No Bill of Rights

Should we have a strong national government or strong state government? ANTI-FEDERALISTS: wanted a small nat’l gov’t where the states had large independent powers. Thomas Jefferson Supported Agriculture Some were Debtors (poor farmers) Strict interpretation of Constitutionread it literally to limit federal power Supported the Bill of Rights

Do we need a special document to protect individual rights/liberties? Federalists: NO! We don’t have to worry the Federal Gov’t will respect the people. Anti-Federalists: YES! We need a Bill of Rights to protect our individual freedoms. The Federal gov’t could take away our rights like our freedom of speech and religion. We will NOT ratify the Constitution unless it has a Bill of Rights!!!

We need to get the Constitution ratified so what should we do? If we DON’T ratify then our country will NOT have a government. Remember the Anti-Federalists will not accept unless there is a Bill of Rights, and without them we will not have enough votes to set up a new government!

Constitutional Vote #4 Ratification Option 1: Try to ratify the Constitution WITHOUT the Bill of Rights Option 2: Try to ratify the Constitution WITH the Bill of Rights Explain: I voted for option ___ because…

The final compromise: The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10) was the compromise between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. Without the addition of the Bill of Rights there would have been no new Constitution for America. The Bill of Rights protects individuals and the states from the power of the federal gov’t.

Name that compromise: This compromise made the legislature have 2 branches. This compromise counted slaves as 3/5 of a normal citizen This compromise protected state’s rights This compromise protected individual rights and freedoms This compromise ended the slave trade in 1808. This compromise gave the states equal power in electing the President.

Practice questions Which of the following is an argument an Federalist would make in favor of the Patriot Act? States can strike down federal laws Government must do whatever is necessary to provide national security National security must never take away from individual rights The judicial branch should not have any power in deciding court cases

What were supporters of the Bill of Rights called? Parliament monarchs Federalists Anti-Federalists

Why did the Anti-Federalists want a Bill of Rights in their Constitution? To list their rights To protect their rights from the power of the federal government To prevent the ratification of the Constitution To argue with the Federalists

Which of the following resolved the fight over representation in Congress between small and large states? The 3/5 compromise The New Jersey Plan The Virginia Plan Connecticut Compromise