The Constitutional Convention

Purpose of the Constitutional Convention The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation Delegates quickly decided to replace the AOC WHY?? Articles of Confederation

Philadelphia 56 Delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia during the summer of They met in Independence Hall; all were wealthy, white, males. James Madison, “Father of the Constitution.” was the only delegate to never miss a day.

Major Contributors George Washington - Most respected and honored man in the country James Madison – Virginian; “Father of the Constitution” Benjamin Franklin - Eighty-one years old and in poor health

Who did not attend the convention? Thomas Jefferson - Was an ambassador to France John Adams - Was an ambassador to Great Britain Patrick Henry - “I Smell a Rat”, Refused to attend the Convention Thomas Paine - Also in France John Hancock - Governor of Mass

Women African Americans American Indians Poor Farmers – (Like those involved in Shays’ Rebellion) Rhode Island refused to send delegates to the convention Who were not represented at the Convention?

Issues that divided the Nation’s leaders The power of the federal government. Would the states or the federal government have the most power? Representation in Congress (How many members on Congress would each state get?) Slavery – How would slaves be counted? Would the slave trade continue?

Debates, Decisions and Compromises Each state would have one vote on all questions. The delegates decided to keep all the sessions secret. This made it possible for the delegates to talk freely.

Virginia Plan Proposed by big states Lawmaking body: Bicameral (2 Houses) Elected by the people Elected by the 1st house # of Congressmen determined by state population Based on Population

The Great Compromise This was a combination of both plans… Lawmaking body: Bicameral Congress (2 Houses) House of Representatives Senate # of reps. would depend on populations Each state gets 2 representatives

Separation of Powers (How the Government will be organized) Legislative ExecutiveJudicial 3 Branches House of Reps. Senate = Congress Makes Laws President Court System Carries out lawsInterpret the laws

Slavery Slavery became an issue with population. In the south, slavery made up 1/3 of the population The south wanted them to count in their population so they would have more votes.

3/5 Compromise They decided to count 3/5 of the total number of slaves as population. 5 blacks = 3 whites. Slaves still could not vote

Slavery Issue Northern states wanted to ban slavery throughout the nation Southern states considered slavery essential to their economies It was agreed that Congress would not interfere with the slave trade until 1808

Amendments Before any of the states would sign the Constitution, the delegates wanted a way to amend the Constitution in order for it to grow with the times and the country. Bill of Rights 1st Amendment 2nd Amendment 3rd Amendment

Signing the Constitution 39 delegates signed before leaving Philadelphia. Each state planned to have its own convention to vote on the adoption. Nine states were needed to ratify. December 7, 1787

Federalists vs. Anti Federalists... Let the Battle Begin… Federalists: Supporters of the New Constitution George Washington Ben Franklin James Madison Alexander Hamilton John Jay Anti Federalists: Opposed ratification of the new Constitution 1. Would take away liberties 2. Create a strong central government 3. Ignore the will of the people 4. Favor the wealthy **Wanted the gov. close to the people Thomas Paine Patrick Henry

Ratification The four remaining states signed by May of 1790! June 21, 1788 New Hampshire, the 9th state signed the constitution putting into effect the new government. There were still states that had not ratified. This threatened the outcome of the new Gov. Go USA!!

George Washington was elected the first President of the U.S. John Adams was elected the first Vice President of the U.S.

The End