The Constitution

 Independence Hall (Philadelphia, 1787)  55 Delegates ◦ Goal: To Improve our National Government  Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, George Washington

WHO WOULD YOU SEND???????? WHY?

 Slavery Issues  Economic Issues  State Representatives

 “The Large State Plan”  Strong National Government  Judicial, Executive, Legislative branches ◦ Legislative = Bi-cameral ◦ Representatives: Selected based on State population  Why would a small state be against this?

 “The Small State Plan”  Keeping the structure the same. ◦ Unicameral system ◦ State Rep: Equal votes in congress  Additions to be made: ◦ Power to tax citizens ◦ Regulate commerce

 The Great Compromise ◦ Upper House: Each state, regardless of size, equal vote ◦ Lower House: Based on population.

 3/5 Compromise ◦ Each slave would be counted as three fifths of a person when determining representation.  Slave Trade ◦ The national government would wait 20 years before seeking to end the slave trade.  Conflict:  Northern States vs. Southern States

Goal: Describe how the federal government is balanced under the U.S. Constitution

 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. ◦ Marble Cake  The swirl of the two colors

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.” ARTICLE VI:

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.” ARTICLE VI:

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT LAWS AND POWERS GIVEN BY THE US CONSTITUTION (THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) State Governments (OHIO) Local Governments CUYAHOGA FALLS

 Legislative Branch: Congress: Responsible for proposing and passing laws. ◦ Upper House: 2 Representatives for each state ◦ Lower House: Representatives determined by state population

 Executive Branch: ◦ The president and departments that help run the country. ◦ Make sure the laws are carried out.

 Judicial Branch: (All National Courts): ◦ Responsible for interpreting laws, punishing criminals, and settling disputes between states.

 Checks and Balances: to keep any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

 Debates lasted 16 weeks.