1. The Constitution: Creating A New National Government
AP Government, Chapter 2

2. Why Did We Need a New Constitution?
By 1787, it was clear that the Articles were failing and the country needed changes, each state was asked to send delegates to a convention to propose changes; deceitful?
What were the problems with the Articles?
All conversations were to be kept secret, good/bad?
George Washington selected to lead Convention, why?

3. Let the Compromising Begin
Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan; differences?
The Great Compromise, Roger Sherman, what was it?
3/5 Compromise: determined how slaves were to be counted in population, commonly misunderstood today
Electoral College, why do we have this crazy system no one else uses?

4. Approving the Constitution
On Sept. 17, 1787 the delegates signed the Constitution written by James Madison
In order to win ratification 9 of the 13 states would have to accept it
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists; what was the fight over
The Federalist Papers; Hamilton, Madison, and Jay
What helped bridge the gap?
June 21, 1788, New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify

5. Purposes of the new Constitution
Preamble: the opening section of the Constitution tells why it was written
Makes clear that power comes from the people and that the govt. exists to serve the people
Middle part of the Preamble states six purposes of the government; meaning?

6. Principles of the Constitution
Created a Republic, not a pure democracy, what was the difference in their eyes?
There was a great deal of debate around the Constitution, but the Framers embraced five fundamental principles
Popular sovereignty
The rule of law
Separation of powers
Checks and balances
Federalism
I wonder if this guy votes?

7. Amending the Constitution
Since the Constitution was signed in 1787, it has been amended 27 times
Thousands of amendments to the Constitution have been considered over the years
Amendments today?
The Framers made the amendment process difficult, but not impossible, why?
Amendments are proposed two ways: by 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress, or a national convention requested by 2/3 of state legislatures
Once an amendment has been proposed it must be ratified by ¾ of the states