May-September, 1787 Student Objective: Students should understand the importance of compromise in the constitutional convention

 Articles proved too weak. Lack of ability to regulate trade and raise an army  Shay’s Rebellion Homes were being foreclosed on in western Massachusetts so thousands rebelled against the local court houses Federal government couldn’t do anything to stop it

 Constitutional Convention pushed by commerce control money  1786 Virginia called convention on Commerce- nobody came Decided to meet in 1787 in Philadelphia  Purpose to revise the Articles of Confederation  All but Rhode Island came  55 delegates May 25, 1787, held in secrecy  Most lawyers who helped develop state constitutions  Washington-President, Franklin, Madison- Father of the Constitution, Hamilton-wanted strong central government  Left out- Jefferson, Henry, Adams, Paine, Hancock  All upper class, 19 owned slaves  Sought to curb unrestrained democracy

 Large State Plan (Virginia) Three branches of government Checks and balances Both houses of congress elected by population  Small State Plan (New Jersey) Equal representation in a single house congress  3/5 th compromise  Great Compromise House of Representatives and Senate Executive branch, checks and balances Electoral college Slave trade-no decision until 1807