The Constitutional Convention U.S. History Chapter 5.2

The Virginia Plan National legislature (bicameral) ◦ Representation by population Executive and Judicial branches Tax citizens Veto powers over state governments Gave greater power to national government Supported by larger states

New Jersey Plan Congress -one house (unicameral) Equal representation per state Congress power to tax Executive and Judicial branches States would retain the power over national government

The Great Compromise Legislative branch would have two houses (bicameral) ◦ House of Representative by population ◦ Senate equal number per state Three-fifths compromise agreed on Approved on July 16, 1787 *Proposed by Roger Sherman- Connecticut

What was James Madison’s involvement at the Constitutional Convention?  called the Father of the Constitution  very knowledgeable about European politics  attended every meeting of the convention  took very detailed notes of the proceedings

James Madison

Explain what the 3/5ths Compromise was and why it was included in the constitutional debate over population.  Southern and northern states counting slaves in the population (yes/no)  South - an advantage if counted as whole person  meant larger representation in House.  If not counted, Southern states weakened in House.  Compromise-enslaved people would be counted, but total would be divided by 3/5ths.   Slaves still weren’t allowed to vote, nor were their interests represented in Congress.

Duties of Three Branches Duties of Three Branches Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances were included in the Constitution so that no one branch of government would be too powerful. Executive Carries out the law Legislative Makes the law Judicial Interprets the law

Who checks whom and how do they do it? Executive Checks Judicial Branch by: -appointing federal judges -granting pardons to federal offenders Checks Legislative branch by: -proposing laws -veto power -call special sessions of Congress -Make federal appointments -Negotiate treaties Legislative Checks Executive branch by: -overriding a veto -confirms appointments -declare war -ratifies treaties -appropriates money -impeach and remove President Checks the Judicial branch by: -creates lower courts -impeach federal judges -propose amendments -approves appointments

Continued………………….. Judicial Checks Executive branch by: -declaring executive actions unconstitutional Checks the Legislative branch by: -declaring acts of Congress unconstitutional

How was Congress organized under the new Constitution? What were their respective duties? 1. Powers divided -states and the national government 2. three branches of government 3. preserved and limited popular sovereignty House- in touch with people they represented Chosen every two years Economic/monetary issues duty of house coin money, treaties, declare war, raise army/navy, regulate commerce Senate- Senators were elected by state legislatures served 6 year terms 1/3 of Senate up for election every two years

What is the Electoral College? Why was it formed? At the time of the writing of the Constitution, many felt that majority of voters could not make educated decisions on office of President, so the Electoral College was included in the document. States had electoral votes based on the number of members of Congress. When the electors met, whoever had the majority of the votes in the meeting would become President. In case of a tie, the vote would move to the House of Representatives-the final decision makers. “The electoral College was a device to allow the people to feel as if they were participating in the choice of their President, while ensuring that electors or members of Congress would make the actual selection. “

Were there term limits for the office of President when the Constitution was written? Explain.  four year term, but could be re- elected  Must be strong executive officer  must be voted on by the Electoral College (besides popular vote)  Commander-in-Chief of armed forces  veto power over acts of Congress.

Why was it difficult to remove judges from office?  Judges hold office for life  appointed by the President with Congressional consent  difficult to be political or controlled if they hold lifetime appointments

What type of Court system did the Constitution call for? How did it change over time?  Only the Supreme Court  all inferior Courts were to be established as needed