1. Aim: How did a group of 55 men change the country forever?
Con Law Lessson 04
Aim: How did a group of 55 men change the country forever?

2. The Constitutional Convention
55 men from 12 states (except Rhode Island) met in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787
They became known as the "Framers"
They met in the same room in which the Declaration of Independence was written
George Washington was named President of the Convention

3. Rules of the Constitutional Convention
The framers were sent to Philadelphia to revise the Articles
A majority of states was needed to conduct business (7/12)
Each state had one vote and a majority was needed to pass any proposal
The debates were to be kept a strict secret
The members quickly changed their mandate and begin writing a new Constitution

4. The Virginia Plan 3 separate branches of government
Congress would be bicameral
Congress would be based on population
The lower house would be elected by the people, while the upper house would be chosen by lower house from lists provided by each state
Congress could veto state laws that were against the federal law
Congress would choose the national executive

5. The New Jersey Plan Keep a unicameral Congress
Form 2 Executive Officials chosen by Congress who could be removed if a majority of governors requested
A federal judiciary would be appointed by the Executives
The main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan was how would Congress be represented- based on Population or equality?

6. The Connecticut Compromise
After a lot of debate and prayers each morning led by Benjamin Franklin; it was agreed;
Congress to be made up of 2 houses. In the Senate representation would be equal. In the House of Representatives representation would be based on population.
This compromise was so vital to the successful passage of the new Constitution that it became known as the Great Compromise.

7. The Three-Fifths Compromise

9. The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
Based on taxation issues the southern and northern states debated the taxation of exported goods.
The agreement made states the following
Congress is forbidden from taxing exports by any states
Congress could not interfere in the slave trade for at least 20 years.
In 1808, Congress banned the importation of slaves and in 1820 declaring it to be piracy.

10. Concluding the Constitutional Convention
On September 17, 1787 the convention approved the new Constitution. 39 Men immediately signed it.
None of them were completely satisfied because they all had to make compromises. Which gives rise to the US Constitution being known as the "Bundle of Compromises"

11. Conclusion
Now, the US Constitution had to be sent back to the states for ratification. The real battle will take place between the Federalists (those who favored the Constitution) and the Anti-Federalists (those who opposed the Constitution).