Sometimes it takes a second time to get it right! The U.S. Constitution Sometimes it takes a second time to get it right!

A. The Convention

Philadelphia Convention (May-September 1787) Meeting of 12 states to “fix” the Articles Instead, they write the Constitution George Washington is elected the leader of the Convention James Madison is the main writer Meetings held in secret

B. Influences

The Enlightenment Philosophers John Locke Natural Rights Baron de Montesquieu Three Branches of Government Jean-Jacques Rousseau Consent of the Governed Thomas Hobbes Social Contract Voltaire Freedom of Speech & Religion

Various Documents Mayflower Compact (1620) Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1638) The State Constitutions

C. Major Issues

Issue of Representation Virginia Plan: Bicameral Legislature Representation based on Population Good for large states (VA, NY, MA) New Jersey Plan: Unicameral Legislature Representation is equal for all states Good for small states (NJ, DE, CT)

Solution The "Great Compromise" (Connecticut Compromise) Bicameral Legislature House of Representatives based on population Senate has equal representation Popular vote vs. Appointment HOR would be by popular vote Senate would be by appointment by state legislatures

North-South Issues North wanted Congress to control Commerce North’s economy mainly based on commerce South wanted slaves to count for representation Also wanted the slave trade to be protected

Solution Three-Fifths Compromise: Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation & taxation Slave Trade: Would be banned in 1808

D. The Set-Up

The Basics Federal System Separation of powers – 3 branches Strong central gov’t with the states still retaining some powers Separation of powers – 3 branches The Electoral College Check on the people Congress CAN levy taxes and regulate commerce

E. Ratification Constitution is signed on September 17, 1787 and sent to the states to be ratified

Did Everyone Want the Constitution? Federalists Those in favor of the Constitution Mainly Industrialists or Businessmen Anti-Federalists Those against the Constitution Mainly farmers Believed the Constitution gave too much power to the national government

The Federalist Papers Written by James Madison, John Jay, & Alexander Hamilton to persuade people to ratify the Constitution Anti-Federalists hold out because of the lack of a Bill of Rights Federalists agree it will be added

Ratification 9 states needed to ratify Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789