p171 The Constitutional Convention

After Shays’ Rebellion, Congress called for a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they created an entirely new constitution. The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787

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

constitution- a written plan of government

53 of the nation’s top leaders convened at the Pennsylvania State House. Most helped to write their state constitutions. Most were rich. All were white males. 21 fought in the Revolution. 8 were signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Missing: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They were serving as diplomats in Europe. George Washington was chosen as president of the Convention. James Madison Roger Sherman George Mason Elbridge Gerry William Paterson James Wilson John Dickinson Charles Pinckney Benjamin Franklin Alexander Hamilton Edmund Randolph Gouverneur Morris Leaders present: Who came?

New Jersey’s Delegates William Livingston David Brearly (Brearley) William Paterson (Patterson) Jonathan Dayton William C. HoustonWilliam Livingston David Brearly (Brearley) William Paterson (Patterson) Jonathan Dayton William C. Houston*

“in revising the foederal system we ought to inquire 1. into the properties, which such a government ought to possess, 2. the defects of the confederation, 3. the danger of our situation & 4. the remedy.”-Edmund Randolph, VA tes_529.asp tes_529.asp

Alexander Hamilton advocated a powerful central government. Ben Franklin contributed experience, wisdom, and prestige. Framers of the Constitution

Called the Father of the Constitution, James Madison already had a plan of government in mind. Called the Father of our Country, George Washington attracted crowds when he arrived in Philadelphia. Framers of the Constitution

Hamilton and Madison emerged as leaders. Conservative; he feared too much democracy Favored a balance of aristocracy, monarchy, and republicanism Alexander Hamilton 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

The delegates to the convention disagreed over many issues. To come up with a new plan of government, they needed to compromise. Compromise- a method of reaching agreement in which each side gives up something that it wants

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 James Madison proposed his Virginia 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 William Patterson proposed 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.

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.

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 twenty years. Northern states could not pass laws to help runaway slaves. Solution: Three-fifths Compromise

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

39 delegates signed and the Constitution was sent to the states for ratification. On September 17 th ; 42 delegates remained at the convention. Alexander Hamilton accepted the Constitution as the only alternative to “anarchy and convulsion.”

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