1. The Constitution of the United States of America
The Convention
and a
Basic Introduction to
Constitutional Principles

2. SWBAT Describe the two compromises regarding the issue of slavery.
Describe and explain the role of each of the Three Branches of the US government.
Explain principles of Checks and Balances and give examples of how each branch is affected by the others.
Discuss how the Constitution
Prevents a Tyranny
Restrains a Mob

3. Articles of Confederation
Insufficient
Designed to prevent a national tyranny, but what about in a state?
Unable to handle the affairs of a new nation
Insufficient power to prevent “mobocracy.”
Federal or even other states couldn’t prevent a tyranny in any particular state

4. Convention to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation
Philadelphia
Opens May 25, 1787
George Washington was elected to be President of the convention
AoC unfixable, a new constitution needed
Secret talks
Philadelphia, May 25, 1787, the convention began.
George Washington was elected to be President of the convention.
Quickly decided that the AoC could not be fixed and a new constitution was to be written.
The talks would be held in secret to allow for open discussion and prevent arguments against.

5. Guiding Principles of the Convention
Prevent a tyrant.
Restrain the mob.
Why are either bad?

6. Main Points to consider Fixing
Currently
Strong States and a weak national government
No dedicated funding for national government
Major disagreements at National level:
Representation
Slavery – its very existence
The states were too strong and a weak national government might allow a state tyranny to arise.
The national government needed more power, especially to tax.
Disagreements about:
Representation, Big states vs Small states
By population or by state
Slavery – its very existence

7. First Suggested Plan Virginia Plan (Big State Plan) Three Branches
Bicameral (Two House) Legislature
Representation by population
Lower House elected by the people
Upper House to be elected by Lower House.
Power to tax, regulate trade (commerce), make laws
Executive
Judiciary
Virginia Plan (Big State Plan)
Three Branches
Bicameral (Two House) Legislature
States represented in two houses, per population
Lower House elected by the people according to population
Upper House to be elected by Lower House.
Power to tax, regulate trade (commerce), make laws
Executive
Judiciary

8. Second Plan New Jersey Plan (Little State Plan) Three Branches
Unicameral (One House) Legislature
One vote each state
Power to tax and regulate trade
New Jersey Plan (Little State Plan)
Unicameral (One House) Legislature
One vote each state
Power to tax and regulate trade

9. Compare VA & NJ Plans

10. The Great Compromise Debate Impasse until compromise
Legislature = Bicameral
House of Representatives: 1 Representative per 40,000 residents in each state
Senate: 2 Senators, elected by the state governments
After weeks of debate and small states threatening to quit, a compromise was reached
The Legislature would be Bicameral
House of Representatives: each state getting 1 Representative per 40,000 residents.
Senate: each state getting two Senators, elected by the state governments

11. Slavery How would slaves be represented? Southern States Ultimatum
Northern states
Southern States Ultimatum
How would slaves be represented?
Southern states wanted them counted for representation but not for taxing (they certainly could not vote)
Northern states wanted them counted for taxing but not representation (since they were not free).
Southern states threatened to drop out of the USA if slavery or the slave trade were outlawed.

12. 1st Compromises over Slavery
The Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise: 3/5ths of the slave population would be counted for both taxing purposes and for representation in the House of Representatives.

13. 2nd Compromises over Slavery
Importation of slaves
1808
The importation of slaves into the USA would not be interfered with by the national government for 20 years, which was 1808.
1808 It was ended

14. Memorizing the Preamble
three year old
Barney Fife
Preamble Schoolhouse Rock
Three Branches of Govt, SchoolhouseRock
I am just a Bill, Schoolhouse Rock
Electoral College, Schoolhouse Rock

15. https://www. youtube. com/watch
Star Trek Constitution long 8:27
Star Trek Constitution short

16. TCI Activity Working in groups of 2 or 3 students Given a
copy of the Constitution
25 Questions
an Answer Matrix with some guidance,
Write the answers to the questions onto the Matrix, making a statement of the Question/Answer in a complete sentence.

24. 1.1 4. Reps Can IMPEACH President 18. Appoints Justices
9. Sen TRIES the President
8. Sen APPROVES treaties
12. OVERRIDE President’s veto
. Controls the Budget
18. Appoints Justices
25. Chief Justice presides over impeachment.
. Cannot be fired for political reasons
. Can declare Presidential Acts unconstitutional
16. VETO bills
. Can IMPEACH Justices
. Confirms Presidential appointments
22. Can declare laws unconsitutional

25. Three Branches