The Constitution & Compromise

When is it good to compromise? We make compromises all the time Write one paragraph (5 sentences) that answers the following questions What is an example of a compromise you have made? Were you happy with how this compromise turned out? The delegates (representatives) who wrote the Constitution made compromises too. http://www.history.com/topics/constitution (2:40)

Compromise example You really want to play sports after school all year long You are worried you will not have enough time for your schoolwork Compromise – you decide to play a sport during part of the year only

Before the Constitution 1776 - Declaration of Independence Not a governing document 1777-1787 - Articles of Confederation Weak national government For example, national government could not tax people More state power

Constitution Background Convention originally met to revise the Articles of Confederation 12 states participated (not Rhode Island) Led by Federalists Federalists want a stronger national (federal) government Opposed by Anti-Federalists Anti-Federalists want a weaker national (federal) government The Convention met in Independence Hall (in Philadelphia)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihNc_tdGbk (4 mins) The Constitution The delegates wound up writing a new document, called the Constitution…

State Representation Congress COMPROMISES State Representation Congress In America, the people vote for representatives These representatives make decisions for the people instead of everyone voting for everything How should America’s system of representatives work?

State Representation Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan COMPROMISES State Representation Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Representation based on population More representatives from bigger states Equal representation for all states, no matter their population Questions - Whose side are you on? - Are you willing to compromise? - Why or why not? Result Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise), which allowed both kinds of representation

Slavery Even after America won independence, slavery continued COMPROMISES Slavery Even after America won independence, slavery continued Especially in southern states America also still traded for slaves from Africa 1.) Should America count slaves as part of the population? States with higher populations are more powerful 2.) Should America stop the slave trade with Africa?

Slavery Pro-Slavery Anti-Slavery COMPROMISES Slavery Pro-Slavery Anti-Slavery 1.) Count slaves as part of the population This gives more voting power to slave states 2.) Keep the African slave trade 1.) Don’t count slaves as part of the population This gives less voting power to slave states 2.) Get rid of the African slave trade Questions - Whose side are you on? - Are you willing to compromise? - Why or why not?

COMPROMISES Slavery “It was inconsistent with the principles of the revolution and dishonorable to the American character to have such a feature in the Constitution.” - Luther Martin (Maryland) “Religion & humanity had nothing to do with this question. Interest alone is the governing principle with nations.” – John Rutledge (South Carolina)

Rights Federalists wanted a strong central government COMPROMISES Rights Federalists wanted a strong central government Unlike the Articles of Confederation Anti-Federalists were worried the Constitution would give too much power to government And take away rights from the people Kind of like a new King

State and Individual Rights COMPROMISES State and Individual Rights Federalists The Constitution is a good document because it creates a stronger national government Anti-Federalists We should have more protection for state and individual rights Questions - Whose side are you on? - Are you willing to compromise? - Why or why not?

What do you think? Write one paragraph that answers the following questions Do you think the Constitution delegates did a good job compromising? Why do you think this? (include evidence from class)

The Finished Constitution Three branches of government Executive (President) The President serves for 4 year terms Legislative (Congress) Includes the Senate and the House of Representatives Judicial (Supreme Court) The Supreme Court has nine members These people are appointed, not elected, and they serve for life

The Finished Constitution The US government has many checks and balances No branch has too much power (they share power) Why does the Constitution share power among different branches? Balance

The Bill of Rights The first 10 amendments to the Constitution An amendment means a change or correction Gives more rights to the people Protects the people from government power Today there are a total of 27 amendments to the Constitution

A lot of history is detective work…

What do you see in this political cartoon? What do you think this cartoon means? Do you think the cartoon is for or against the Constitution? Do you have any other questions about this cartoon?

Schoolhouse Rock Constitution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzAJyK0ovo8 Bill of Rights TED-Ed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYEfLm5dLMQ Constitution Intro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihNc_tdGbk Bill of Rights rap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KINGYf7pdJE Ratification of the Constitution http://www.historyhub.us/34-study-notes.html