1. The Constitutional Convention
Convention set for May 1787 in Philadelphia
Advertised as a revising of the AoC, but ended with an entirely new Constitution
Had state constitutions as models
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Shays’s Rebellion inspired delegates to attend who otherwise wouldn’t have gone

2. The Constitutional Convention
The Framers
55 delegates
74 invited, 55 attended
Rhode Island refused to send any delegates
Mostly young but experienced
8 signers of the Declaration
7 Governors
34 lawyers
39 former members of the Congress of the Confederation
Several wealthy, most well to do
1/3 veterans of the Continental army
3 physicians
½ college graduates
6 large plantation owners
8 important businesspersons

3. The Challenge
How to create a government strong enough to preserve order but not so strong as to threaten liberty
Washington selected as President, Virginia delegation introduced the draft created by Madison (who also took detailed notes of the convention)

4. The Virginia Plan Strong national union with three branches
Legislative branch made up of two houses, one elected by people, second selected by first house
Executive selected by legislature, judiciary appointed by legislature
National legislature had supreme powers on all matters separate states couldn’t act on and could veto any state laws

5. The New Jersey Plan Amended Articles of Confederation
Each state had one vote, regardless of population
Congress able to regulate trade and impose taxes
Several people, elected by Congress, would form executive branch

6. The Compromise aka the Great Compromise or the Connecticut Compromise
House of Representatives based on population, elected by the people
Senate with two Senators per state, chosen by state legislatures

7. Other Compromises Electoral college Presidential term
Selection process of Supreme Court justices
No export taxes
3/5 compromise