Constitutional Convention 1787 Philadelphia Site of a convention called for the “sole and expressed purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation”

The Delegates 55 members of the Convention Represented only about 10% of the American population (90% being small farmers, city workers, and frontiersmen) Notable Absentees –Patrick Henry “smelled a rat” –Thomas Jefferson – Paris –John Adams – London –The state of Rhode Island was not represented

The Delegates (con’t) The 55 men were primarily lawyers, landed, bankers, merchants Most had moderate to extensive political experience Reflected business and property interests Well educated in history, law, government

The Delegates (con’t) Outstanding Leadership –Washington – served as President of the Convention –Franklin – wisdom, respect, prestige, and clout to the preceding –Alexander Hamilton – advocated a strong central government; pushed hard for the abolishment of confederation government –James Madison – Father of the Constitution Scholar of government Madison’s notes are invaluable to understanding the creation of the Constitution (only holistic primary source)

Points of Agreement Among the Delegates The Articles of Confederation were inadequate – must be replaced An executive leader/ independent judiciary were necessary/ also a national legislature National government must have the power to tax, control interstate and foreign trade New government must have sole power to print money and raise a national, standing army Must be able to act directly with the people not indirectly through the states Agreed that the creation of a new government must be: –Strong enough to command respect from foreign countries –Restrained enough to avoid tyranny (protect citizens liberties and private property)

Constitutional Compromises The Great Compromise –Tackled the issue of representation Resulted from the merging of the New Jersey and Virginia Plans Bicameral legislature –House based on population of each state »Number determined by census taken every 10 years –Senate based on equal representation (2 per state)

Constitutional Compromises Three Fifths Compromise –Northern Proposal Slaves would be taxable property Slaves would not be included in census counts –Southern Proposal Slaves be counted in census to increase population counts (as a result, more representation in the House) Slaves would not be counted as taxable property

Constitutional Compromises Three Fifths Compromise –Three fifths (60%) of a state’s slave population would count for taxation purposes as well as census counts –The remaining two fifths (40%) would not be counted for either purpose –In addition, the international slave trade would end in 1808 (death penalty offense) Congress was forbidden to interfere with slave trade until 1808 – South was appeased – Again!!

Constitutional Compromises Tariff Rates –Southern State opposed federal (national) government’s power to levy tariffs –Northern states wanted the federal government vested with the power to regulate navigation and protect shipping –Compromise: Federal government given the power to control foreign trade Federal government given power to levy tariffs on imports but NEVER exports (appeased the South – again!)

Constitutional Compromises Presidency –Delegates disagreed on the length of office, compensation, and the method(s) of choosing the executive –Compromise: 4 year term Elected through process known as the Electoral College – not directly elected by people President would be compensated for service

Ratification of the Constitution Debate over Ratification –Anti- Federalists Farmers, small businessmen, city workers Gave their loyalty to their states Believed the Constitution favored the elite Threatened the powers of the states Greatly increased the likelihood of No mention of God in the document – wanted religion incorporated Standing national army/city threatened civil liberty and rights –Federalists People with business/property interests Those who considered the nation more important than their states Stronger central government would offer –Stability (e.g. Shays’ Rebellion) –Maintain law and order –Furthering economic prosperity –Command respect abroad (consistent foreign policy)

Process of Ratification 9/13 states had to approve (ratify) the Constitution Each state held its own convention First states to approve were Delaware, New Jersey, Georgia (small states) Larger states were slower to ratify –Massachusetts (187 to 168), New York (30 to 27), Virginia (89 to 79) were critical

Preamble “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

Federalist Papers Authors: Jay, Madison, Hamilton Pro-Constitution editorials to encourage ratification of Constitution The collection of essays became the cornerstone of constitutional philosophy and principles Federalist Paper #10 (Madison) argued that America’s diversity and eclectic population was one of the greatest strengths of the nation.