1. The Creation and Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

2. Second Continental Congress
In 1775, each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to this gathering in Philadelphia.
Served as the first government of the United States from 1776 to 1781, when the Articles of Confederation were written

3. In addition to economic & political problems brought on by the Revolutionary War, issues with the articles began to surface.

4. The Constitutional Convention
Philadelphia, May 1787
55 delegates (called Framers)from 12 states

5. The Framers Drew Inspiration From:
Prior experiences in government
the Second Continental Congress, the Articles of Confederation & their own State governments
Well educated & widely read
Classical governments of Greece and Rome
Writings of: (see pg. 53)
William Blackstone’s Commentaries on the Laws of England
Charles de Montesquieu’s The Spirit of the Laws
Rousseau’s Social Contract
Locke’s Two Treaties of Government

6. It’s all about compromise.
Small states v. large states
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
State’s rights v. federal power
Presidency Compromise
Slave states v. free states
Three-Fifths Compromise

10. Ratifying the Constitution
9 states needed
Federalists v. Anti-federalists
Even though New Hampshire was the 9th state to ratify, success of the Constitution depended on the key states of New York and Virginia

11. -James Madison (Father of the Constitution)
-Alexander Hamilton
-Patrick Henry
-John Hancock
-Samuel Adams

12. The New Government The Constitution took effect in 1789
Washington is inaugurated as 1st President of the U.S.