1. The Constitutional Convention

2. The Place Philadelphia, PA
Old Statehouse (known today as Independence Hall)
Same place was used for Declaration of Independence.
Began on May 25, 1787

3. The Old Statehouse
now known as
Independence Hall

4. The Delegates 74 delegates from 12 states Only 55 attended.
Rhode Island did not participate.

5. Organization
George Washington was elected President of the convention.
Each state had one vote.
Simple majority ruled (7 of 13).
Quorum of 7 needed to do business.
Meetings kept secret/confidential to allow free discussion.

6. George Washington
James Madison
James Wilson
Ben Franklin

7. The Rising Sun Chair

8. The Rising Sun Chair
"I have often looked at that picture behind the president without being able to tell whether it was a rising or setting sun. Now at length I have the happiness to know that it is indeed a rising, not a setting sun."
Benjamin Franklin
1787

9. Key Agreements Limited government Separation of powers
End states creating their own money
States could not interfere with creditors’ rights
Stronger national government

10. The Major Plans The Virginia Plan Strong Congress
Lower chamber elected by people
Upper chamber elected by lower chamber
President chosen by Congress
Judiciary appointed by Congress

11. Big states would be in control.
The Major Plans
The Virginia Plan
Problem!!!
Big states would be in control.
!!!

12. The Major Plans The New Jersey Plan
Keep basics of Articles of Confederation
Unicameral Congress
One vote for each state
Given power to tax and regulate trade
Weak Presidential committee appointed by Congress
Judiciary appointed by President

13. The Major Plans The New Jersey Plan
Retained many of the problems of the failed Articles of Confederation.
Problem!!!
National government would remain weak.
!!!

14. The Compromises The Connecticut Compromise The 3/5’s Compromise
Compromise on Commerce and the Slave Trade

15. The Connecticut Compromise
Bicameral Congress
House of Reps. based on population and elected by people
Senate – 2 members from each state elected by state legislatures
All taxing and spending laws would start in House of Reps.

16. 3/5 Compromise Issue Solution How to count slaves for
representation and taxation.
All slaves counted as 3/5 of a
person for both representation
and taxes.
Issue
Solution

17. Compromise on Commerce and the Slave Trade
Congress given the power to regulate both interstate commerce and foreign commerce.
Congress forbidden to impose export taxes.
Congress could not ban slave trade until 1808 (20 years).

18. Other Compromises How to elect the President? (Electoral College)
How long for President’s term?
Many other minor compromises

19. Ratification Process began September 1787
Constitution went into effect June 1788 after 9 states ratified it.
Rhode Island finally approved it May 1790.

20. Federalists Supported ratification of Constitution.
Wanted strong federal government.
Mostly from cities and eastern coastal regions
Merchants, etc., involved in trade
Wanted improved commerce

21. Federalists Biggest arguments for ratification: Avoid anarchy
Protect the nation
Solve problems in trade and commerce

22. Anti-Federalists Opposed ratification Feared strong central government
Mostly inland farmers and laborers

23. Anti-Federalists Biggest arguments against Constitution:
Meeting was in secret
Was extralegal (didn’t do what they were supposed to do) (they were supposed to improve the Articles of Confederation)
It did not include a Bill of Rights