1. Creating the Constitution

2. The Articles of Confederation
The Nation’s first government from 1781 – 1787, the Articles of Confederation had helped Americans to win their independence and secure a Treaty with England BUT…
The Articles of Confederation was a weak national government.
No Power to Tax
No Regulation of Commerce or Trade
No Common Currency
Each state had one vote, meaning Rhode Island and Virginia were equally represented.
No Executive Branch
No Judicial Branch

3. So what was the plan to fix it?

4. The Constitutional Convention Begins
Philadelphia
Delegates from all the states invited to a convention to improve the Articles of Confederation, which were not working
Only RI didn’t attend
55 Delegates attended

5. The Virginia Plan
Called for a new national government. Threw out the Articles of Confederation
Three separate branches of government. – a legislative branch, executive branch, and judicial branch
Representation in the legislative branch based on population of state
Large states liked the plan, small states didn’t

6. New Jersey Plan
Legislature - has one house (unicameral).
Each state gets one vote.
Small states liked the plan, the large states hated it.

7. There would have to be a compromise…