Road to the Constitution

Vocabulary Articles of Confederation – Original plan of government for the United States after the Revolutionary War Delegates – Representatives Constitutional Convention – Meeting of delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation Majority Vote – the portion of the vote that has more than half

I. A Distinguished Gathering Articles of Confederation were too weak so each state sent delegates to a convention in Philadelphia, PA to try and revise them Meeting became known as Constitutional Convention Rhode Island chose not to attend

Began May 25, 1787 Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA 55 delegates, all men, most were highly educated No Women, African Americans, or Native Americans Benjamin Franklin age 81 oldest of the delegates I. A Distinguished Gathering

George Washington and James Madison, both future presidents were at the convention John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were both in Europe at the time of the convention I. A Distinguished Gathering

II. Early Decisions George Washington was chosen as the convention leader in the beginning

III. Operating Procedures Appointed committee set rules for convention – Meetings could not be held unless 7 states were present – Decisions were made by Majority Vote, each state only received one vote – Secret Meeting, Sworn to secrecy Doors were guarded, Windows closed – Allowed delegates to speak freely All notes from the convention were taken by James Madison

IV. The Need for a New Constitution The delegates decided to abolish the Articles of Confederation and write a new Constitution