1. Founding the Nation

2. Constitutional Convention
We are a young nation with new-found freedom and independence from Great Britain
What do we do next?
How are we going to survive and thrive?
Who’s going to be in charge?

3. Constitutional Convention
May 1787, to address weaknesses in the Articles of the Confederation
James Madison: “Father of the Constitution”
Thought federal government was too weak
States put too much power in the hands of the people
Only delegate to show up with a plan!!

4. Virginia Plan Powerful central government
Bi-cameral, based on population
Power to appoint executive and judicial branches and veto state law

5. Virginia Plan Immediately opposed by smaller states
Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts contained 50% of the U.S. population
“If adopted, just four states could dominate legislation and ignore the rest”

6. New Jersey Plan Unicameral, equal representation
Great power to Congress, elect executive council
Large states argued why should Delaware (59,000) have equal power to Virginia (748,000)

7. New Jersey Plan

8. Question…. With a partner…
If you were a delegate at the convention, which of these two plans would you vote for?
What factors determined your decision?
What issues do you foresee with using your plan?
Do you have a better proposal for the convention?

9. Connecticut Plan Bicameral Congress Lower house – population
House of Representatives
Directly elected by voters, sole right to initiate revenue bills; 2-year terms
Upper House – equal
The Senate
2 Senators to serve 6-year terms

10. “Great Compromise”

11. Powers of Congress Tax Coin and borrow money, issue paper money
Could NOT favor one state over another
Could NOT impose export duties
Amendments had to be ¾ of the states

12. BILL OF RIGHTS
Use the textbook (pp. 57, 67) to complete the Bill of Rights chart
In the LEFT column – write the amendment in your own words
In the RIGHT column – draw a picture to represent that amendment and the right(s) it protects
ON THE BACK
Write a brief paragraph explaining which ONE of the first 10 Amendments you believe is the most important and why? Which of the 10 do you think is no longer necessary? Why not?