The Constitutional Convention How did the American colonists attempt to fix the problems of the Articles of Confederation?

We go to Philadelphia! Remember why the Articles were so weak? Alexander Hamilton (NY) organizes convention at Independence Hall (Philadelphia) for May 25, 1787 All states invited to send delegates 12/13 came Rhode Island said no  leaders opposed stronger central government

The Participants 55 delegates  white men (many wealthy planters/ lawyers; many owned slaves) Who wasn’t invited? Women, Native Americans, African Americans Thomas Jefferson & James Adams weren’t there  they were in Europe

Key Decisions George Washington unanimously chosen as head of convention Decided to keep everything they were doing secret We have almost no written records; some from James Madison’s journal Quickly agreed to totally get rid of Articles & start a new government

So… what did they talk about So… what did they talk about? They couldn’t decide on representation, population, taxes, and slavery.

Representation: What’s the dilemma? Virginia Plan: supported by large states 1. Bicameral legislature 2. Representation based on population: large states have more representatives and more power New Jersey Plan: supported by small states 1. Unicameral Legislature 2. Equal Representation: 1 state, 1 vote

What’s the solution? The Great Compromise/ Connecticut Compromise What did it say? Bicameral Legislature Senate with equal representation 2 per state House of Representatives with representation based on population

Population: What’s the dilemma? Southern states want slaves to be counted as part of population Northern states did not want slaves counted because it makes slave states more powerful 550,000 slaves, mostly in South Northern states had few enslaved people  opposed idea. Argued that because slaves couldn’t vote or otherwise participate in government, they shouldn’t be used to give Southern states a greater voice in Congress.

What’s the solution? The Three-Fifths Compromise What did it say? Decide that three out of every five slaves will count in a state’s population

Trade & Taxes: what’s the dilemma? Northern states want the national government to be able to regulate trade Southern states don’t want regulation: concerned it would include taxes on exports, and laws against the slave trade

What’s the solution? Trade/ Commerce Compromise What did it say? Congress can regulate trade, but cannot tax exports No new laws about slave trade until 1808 (ignore issue until then)

The President: what’s the dilemma? Some did not trust regular people to make a good choice about the Presidency & wanted Congress to choose Others believed people should vote

Electing The President: what’s the solution? President Compromise What did it say? Created Electoral College State legislatures choose electors who meet together to decide the President

Now, it’s your turn… Imagine you are a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. For the rest of class, we will discuss our states’ perspectives on the various aspects of the new Constitution.

With the other delegates from your state, discuss and answer the questions following Madison’s letter. Use the census data to help you answer questions about population, representation, and slavery.

1790 United States Census Data State Total Population Slave Population Connecticut 237,946 2,764 Delaware 59,096 8,887 Georgia 82,548 29,264 Maryland 319,728 103,036 Massachusetts 378,787 0 New Hampshire 141,885 158 New Jersey 184,139 11,423 New York 340,120 21,324 North Carolina 393,751 100,572 Pennsylvania 434,373 3,737 Rhode Island 68,825 948 South Carolina 249,073 107,094 Virginia 691,737 292,627

We wrote & passed the Constitution. Yay! Now what? Ratify = Approve ¾ of states (9 out of 13) must ratify the Constitution before it will take effect

But wait! More dilemmas! SHOULD we ratify the Constitution? Federalists: Support ratification Why? Only strong national gov’t can protect from enemies abroad & solve internal problems

Vs… Anti-Federalists: Oppose Constitution Why? Makes national government too powerful Does not adequately protect citizens Wanted bill of rights added to Constitution to protect individual freedoms Many states said they would not ratify Constitution without addition of bill of rights

Finally Ratified… Federalists agree to add Bill of Rights to the Constitution if Anti-Federalists will support ratification July 21, 1788: New Hampshire becomes the 9th state to ratify the Constitution It’s OFFICIAL! In 1789 NC did not ratify until over a year later (we were 2nd to last of original 13 to ratify)

Federalists vs. anti-federalists Recap & Extension FEDERALISTS Support ratification Named for “federalism” – nat’l & state gov’ts share power Supporters: mostly large landowners

The Federalist Papers Series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison Defend Constitution/ why we should ratify

Vs…. Anti-federalists Oppose ratification State gov’ts should be strong “Anti-Federalist Papers” Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George Mason

Who do you agree with? (L) Who do you agree with more – federalists or anti-federalists? Put yourself in the shoes of an American in 1787. Remember everything that’s happened up until this point (Britain, king, independence, Constitutional Convention, etc). Write a short paragraph explaining your viewpoint. Give at least 3 clear reasons to support your position.