Making a Constitution

Objectives Understand the reasons leaders called for the Constitutional Convention. Summarize the rival plans of government proposed at the convention. Describe the compromises made in order to reach agreement on the Constitution.

What new system of national government did the delegates agree upon at the Constitutional Convention of 1787? After Shays’ Rebellion, Congress called for a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they created an entirely new constitution.

By 1787 most citizens agreed that the Articles were flawed and needed at least two major changes The power to regulate interstate and international commerce The power to tax In May, delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia to propose Amendments to the Articles.

Most helped to write their state constitutions Fifty-three of the nation’s top leaders met at the Pennsylvania State House. Most helped to write their state constitutions Most were rich All were white males Twenty-one fought in the Revolution Eight were signers of the Declaration of Independence The Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall

Who came? Leaders present James Madison Roger Sherman George Mason Elbridge Gerry William Paterson James Wilson John Dickinson Charles Pinckney Benjamin Franklin Alexander Hamilton Edmund Randolph Gouverneur Morris Not present: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They were serving as diplomats in Europe George Washington was chosen as president of the Convention.

Framers of the Constitution Alexander Hamilton advocated for a powerful central government. Ben Franklin contributed experience, wisdom, and prestige. James Madison, called the Father of the Constitution, already had a plan of government in mind. George Washington, called the Father of our country, attracted crowds when he arrived in Philadelphia.

Hamilton and Madison emerged as leaders. Alexander Hamilton Conservative; he feared too much democracy Favored a balance of aristocracy, monarchy, and republicanism James Madison Favored a large republic with diverse interests to preserve the common good Favored a system where different interests would check each other’s power to ensure liberty

James Madison proposed his Virginia Plan. A strong federal government with power to tax, regulate commerce, and veto state laws A Senate and a House of Representatives, both based on population A strong President to command the military and manage foreign relations

William Patterson proposed the New Jersey Plan. An executive by committee rather than one leader A unicameral legislature with one vote per state regardless of population States retain sovereignty except for a few powers granted to the federal government Larger states favored the Virginia Plan, while smaller states favored the New Jersey plan.

Roger Sherman proposed the Great Compromise to break the impasse. Two Houses in Congress The lower house was based on a state’s population. In the upper house, each state had two senators. A system of federalism Power would be divided between the federal government and the states. Certain powers, such as issuing money, were forbidden to states.

Slavery proved to be a divisive issue. Southern states feared larger free states would dominate Congress and threaten slavery. They saw slavery as essential for their economy and demanded protections in the Constitution. Delegates from Georgia and South Carolina threatened to walk out. Slavery proved to be a divisive issue.

Solution: Three-fifths Compromise A slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in Congress and electoral votes for presidential elections. Importation of slaves could not be forbidden for 20 years. Northern states could not pass laws to help runaway slaves. Solution: Three-fifths Compromise

Some delegates refused to sign in protest. George Mason No Bill of Rights Southerners such as Charles C. Pinckney feared the inclusion of antislavery phrases, such as “all men are by nature free.” Some delegates refused to sign in protest. George Mason Edmund Randolph Elbridge Gerry, who called it “flawed”

On September 17, forty-two delegates remained at the convention. Franklin urged all delegates to unite in support of the new constitution. Hamilton accepted the Constitution as the only alternative to “anarchy and convulsion.” Thirty-nine delegates signed, and the Constitution was sent to the states for ratification.