Constitutional Convention & The Great Compromise

Purpose of the Constitutional Convention The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation. It was quickly decided to replace it. Why did we need one at all? Prevent confusion on rights Prevent ineffective government systems Prevent abuse of gov power Articles of Confederation

Articles of Confederation Need Work! Constitutional Convention held in May 1787. Meeting was meant to improve or change the Articles of Confederation. George Washington was elected President of Constitutional Convention. Some wanted a strong central government, and some did not (Patrick Henry--Sons of Liberty).

Independence Hall – Philadelphia, PA

Inside Independence Hall

ALEXANDER HAMILTON- JAMES MADISON “FATHER OF THE CONSTITUTION” Patrick Henry- Leader of Anti-Federalist GEORGE WASHINGTON (CHAIRMEN) ALEXANDER HAMILTON- JAMES MADISON “FATHER OF THE CONSTITUTION” BEN FRANKLIN

Philadelphia Convention 53 Delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787. They met in Independence Hall. On average their were about 30 delegates there every day. James Madison was the only delegate to never miss a day.

Definition of Compromise an agreement reached after both sides give something up in order to get the most of what they really want

Virginia Plan Virginia thought that states with large populations should have the most power. The larger the population, the more representation in government! (More populated states should have greater representation in government) (Representatives work to make laws)

# of Congressmen determined by state population Virginia Plan Proposed by big states Lawmaking body: Bicameral (2 Houses) Based on Population Elected by the 1st house Elected by the people # of Congressmen determined by state population

New Jersey Plan Thought that the legislature should have one house with two representatives no matter the population (Each state should have equal representation. No state should have more power than another based on population)

Supported by smaller states New Jersey Plan Supported by smaller states Lawmaking body: Unicameral (1 House) Each state would have the same number of Representatives or votes Based on Equality

THE GREAT COMPROMISE! Create a TWO House Legislature: The House of Representatives would have representatives based on Population (435 today) The Senate would have equal representation for all states. Each state will have two Senators (100 total for the U.S. Today) This agreement tried to satisfy the big and small states

The Great Compromise This was a combination of both plans… Lawmaking body: Bicameral Congress (2 Houses) Senate House of Representatives Each state gets 2 representatives # of reps. would depend on populations

Roger Sherman – The Great Compromise! Offered the Great Compromise! Helped write Declaration of Independence Helped write the Articles of Confederation

Slavery Slavery became an issue with population. In the south, slavery made up 1/3 of the population The south wanted them to count in their population so they would have more votes. Slaves however could not vote.

3/5ths Compromise – Counting Slaves? Big Question between North & South South – We want to count our slaves in order to have as many representatives as possible! North – No way – They are not citizens! Compromise: You can count 60% of your slaves, or 3/5ths of the slave population will count towards representation.

How does this look? For Example in South Carolina (9,000,000): 5,000,000 people that are not slaves 4,000,000 people that are slaves 4,000,000 x 60% = 2,400,000 South Carolina Population = 7,400,000

Slavery in the Constitution? They would end slave trade in 20 years. This compromise was reached because the Southern states demanded that they needed slavery for their economy. Most believed that this should be a State issue and let the states decide. There is NO mention of slavery in the Constitution--”free persons” “all other persons”

The Federalist (Federalist Papers) Papers to encourage ratification of the constitution. Mostly written by Hamilton

Federalists vs. Anti Federalists ... Let the Battle Begin... Federalists: Supporters of the New Constitution George Washington Ben Franklin James Madison Alexander Hamilton John Jay Anti Federalists: Opposed ratification of the new Constitution 1. Would take away liberties 2. Create a strong central government 3. Ignore the will of the people 4. Favor the wealthy **Wanted the gov. close to the people Thomas Paine Patrick Henry

Key Terms: Popular Sovereignty – The idea that political authority belongs to the people. Federalism – The sharing of power between a central government and the states that make up a country.

Principles of Government – Intro Individual Rights Limited Government Republicanism Checks and Balances Separation of Powers Federalism Popular Sovereignty

Amendments Before any of the states would sign the Constitution, the delegates wanted a way to amend the Constitution in order for it to grow with the times and the country. Bill of Rights 1st Amendment 2nd Amendment 3rd Amendment

James Madison – Main Author of Constitution

A New Constitution! Draft was completed in September 1787. Only 3 of the 42 delegates refused to sign the Constitution. (It did not include protections of personal freedoms) Not a perfect document, but protected the ideas of republicanism. James Madison is considered the father of the Constitution.