Constitutional Convention

Purpose of the Constitutional Convention - The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation -It was quickly decided to replace it. -An urgent Government reform meeting Articles of Confederation

Philadelphia 53 Delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia during the summer of They met in Independence Hall. On average there were about 30 delegates there every day. James Madison was the only delegate to never miss a day.

Famous Founders Alexander Hamilton Leader of strong central government movement George Washington Presided over the Convention James Madison “Father of the Constitution” Benjamin Franklin Eldest member, speaks of compromise

Major Divisions Representation in Congress –Equal or based on Population of state Slavery & Representation –Do they count toward state’s population? 5

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 Written by James Madison Proposed by Edmund Randolph

New Jersey Plan Supported by smaller states Lawmaking body: Unicameral (1 House) Based on Equality Each state would have the same number of Representatives or votes Proposed by William Paterson

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 Proposed by Roger Sherman; written By several

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. Slaves however could not vote.

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 Proposed by James Wilson

Other Agreements & Compromises All agreed that rights to property should be protected Benjamin Franklin proposed suffrage for all males but most agreed it should be land owners only Most favored a bicameral legislature Electoral College to elect the President Argued it should reflect will of the people Slave and Trade Compromise: No taxing exports, don’t touch slave trade for 20 years. Informal Amendments: Implied powers so Constitution is flexible and can change over time

Principles of the Constitution Checks and Balances: System of government in which branches have some power over other branches Limited Government: The government is NOT all powerful but can only do what people allow it to do Popular Sovereignty: The people rule; power based on the consent of the governed Federalism: Division of power between federal and state governments (also local governments)

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

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!!

The End