Forging the Constitution Please pick up a copy of Focus #11 and the exhibit checklist from the table. Turn in Ch. 5 homework and revised PSIs to the box. Take three minutes to complete the checklist with your partner(s). We will: *identify key issues and compromises of the Constitutional Convention *analyze how the Constitution created an effective framework of national government

A Broken System: Do Washington’s words still have meaning today? “What a triumph for our enemies … to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves, and that systems founded on the basis of equal liberty are ideal and [false].” --George Washington, in a letter to John Jay, of August 1, 1786

Major Compromises of the Constitutional Convention Connecticut (Great) Compromise Large states and small states disagreed on the issue of representation Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan sought proportional sought equal representation representation based on by state population Roger Sherman of Connecticut proposed a bicameral national legislature (Congress) made up of two chambers: House of RepresentativesSenate representation based on two senators per state population

Major Compromises of the Constitutional Convention Three Fifths Compromise Northern and Southern states disagreed on the issue of slavery Northern states had started to abolish slavery during and after the Revolution Southern states (especially South Carolina and Georgia) insisted that slavery was necessary for their societies Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for purposes of taxation and representation even though they had no citizenship status or rights The convention also agreed to stop importation of slaves as of 1808

Major Constitutional Concepts RepublicGovernment in which citizens rule through elected representatives FederalismGovernment system in which powers are divided between the national and state levels; national level has more power Limited Government Government authority over individual rights is limited by constitution and/or law Separation of Powers Government authority divided among three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent any one branch from having too much power Checks and Balances System that prevents one branch of government from dominating the others (ex: the President can veto laws proposed by Congress)

The 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 defense, 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.

Article I: The Legislative Branch House of RepresentativesSenate *members represent districts *two senators for each state *2-year terms*6-year terms *can impeach officials*tries impeached officials *proposes laws related to *approves government taxation and spendingofficials and treaties President can veto proposed laws but Congress can overturn a presidential veto with a two thirds vote of each chamber Powers of Congress include: *taxation*borrowing money*regulating commerce *coining money*legislating for the District of Columbia *declaring war*organizing/supporting an army and navy *making all laws “necessary and proper”

Article II: The Executive Branch The President and Vice-President are elected for 4-year terms by the electoral college The President serves as: *head of state*head of government *commander in chief*chief diplomat The President appoints ambassadors, federal judges, and Cabinet officials, all subject to Senate approval

Article III: The Judicial Branch The Supreme Court and federal appellate and district courts interpret laws and settle disputes Article V: Amendment Process Congress or a National Convention can propose amendments (2/3 vote) State Legislatures or Conventions can ratify amendments (3/4 vote) Article VI: Supremacy of the National Government When in conflict, national laws prevail over state laws

Before we leave… Remember to bring your completed exhibit with you at the start of class on Thursday. Complete Part V: Making Connections – “How did the Constitution “fix” the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?”