1. The Federalist Papers
They were essays written in 1787 by James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton under the penname of Publius
Their purpose was to advocate the ratification of the new constitution by the states
They are an authoritative but unofficial explanation of American government by those who created it

2. (Representatives work to make laws)
Virginia Plan
Virginia thought that states with large populations should have the most power. The larger the population, the more representation in government!
(More populated states should have greater representation in government)
(Representatives work to make laws)

3. New Jersey Plan
Thought that the legislature should have one house with two representatives no matter the population
(Each state should have equal representation. No state should have more power than another based on population)

4. THE GREAT COMPROMISE! Create a TWO House Legislature:
The House of Representatives would have representatives based on Population (435 today)
The Senate would have equal representation for all states. Each state will have two Senators
(100 total for the U.S. Today)
This agreement tried to satisfy the big and small states

5. 3/5ths Compromise – Counting Slaves?
Big Question between North & South
South – We want to count our slaves in order to have as many representatives as possible!
North – No way – They are not citizens!
Compromise: You can count 60% of your slaves, or 3/5ths of the slave population will count towards representation.

6. How does this look? For Example in South Carolina (9,000,000):
5,000,000 people that are not slaves
4,000,000 people that are slaves
4,000,000 x 60% = 2,400,000
South Carolina Population = 7,400,000

7. Slavery in the Constitution?
They could not end slave trade for at least 20 years (1808) This compromise was reached because the Southern states demanded that they needed slavery for their economy.
Most believed that this should be a State issue and let the states decide.
There is NO mention of slavery in the Constitution--”free persons” “all other persons”

8. Key Terms:
Popular Sovereignty – The idea that political authority belongs to the people.
Federalism – The sharing of power between a central government and the states that make up a country.