The United States Constitution The Backbone of our Society

The Constitutional Convention Was written in 1787 and still going strong today. Written over 200 years ago and is known as a “Living Constitution”. “Framers” of the Constitution came from 12 of the 13 states to meet in Philadelphia at Independence Hall at a meeting known as the Constitutional Convention. (Rhode Island not present) Came together to revise Articles of Confederation, but instead, spent 4 months creating a new government. Had many debates and had to make many compromises.

Convention cont. Had 55 total delegates—34 which were lawyers.  Only 39 of 55 delegates signed the Constitution. Average age was about ____ years old.  Youngest—Jonathan Dayton, 26.  Oldest—Benjamin Franklin, ____. George Washington chosen to preside over convention. Other notables: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, William Paterson. Madison came to be known as the “______ of the Constitution”.

The State House (Independence Hall) Assembly room at Independence Hall. Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution all signed here. Scene at the signing of the Constitution.

Constitutional Basics It is the highest law in the United States. Creates the Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court There are 7 Articles and 27 Amendments. First 3 Articles set up our system of government. ______ the laws. ________ the laws. ________ the laws. Executive Judicial Legislative

Constitutional Basics—cont. Established a system of checks and balances to ensure their would be a separation of powers between the 3 branches of govt. Allowed a line of succession for the President. Set up the requirements to become a govt. official.  Age requirements.  Salary.  Duties. Set up the Amendment and Ratification process.  How a bill becomes a law. Many, many other things.

Constitutional Issues Slavery 1787, most African-Americans were slaves. People of North wanted to end slavery Southerners wanted to keep it. President Lincoln did away w/slavery. Civil War soon erupted and southern states lost. Added Civil War Amendments. Amendment—slavery made illegal. Amendment—every person born in U.S. was a full citizen. Amendment—ensured African- Americans the right to vote.

Constitutional Issues Women’s Rights Men held all positions of power. Women had no role in government. Little hope for women to advance in society. There were laws stating women could not vote. Amendment passed in 1920 and allowed women the right to vote. Elizabeth Cady Stanton (sitting) and Susan B. Anthony.

The Bill of Rights Added in _____. Contains first ___ Amendments. Passed because some people were afraid the government would have too much power. Wanted to make sure some things were kept legal.

First Amendment—most important Contains our 5 basic civil liberties: 1 st Amendment Freedom of Religion Freedom Of Speech Freedom Of Press Freedom Of Assembly Freedom Of Petition