1. Constitutional Convention
8/13/2015

2. It’s time to abandon the Articles of Confederation

3. Prominent Delegates John Dickinson George Washington
Alexander Hamilton
Roger Sherman
Ben Franklin
William Paterson
James Madison
Edmund Randolph

4. Constitutional Convention
SIGNIFICANCE: The Constitution will replace the Articles of Confederation
States were too strong
National GOVT was too weak
James Madison’s
a.k.a.“Father of the Constitution”

5. 1. Virginia Plan (Large States Plan)
Favors strong National GOVT
Main Ideas
3 Branches of GOVT (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
Bicameral Legislature  2 Chambers of Congress
Representation: Based on Population
“Supremacy of National Laws”
EX: Marijuana against federal laws, states differ (WA, CO, AK)

6. 2. New Jersey Plan (Small States Plan)
Favored Strong States
Main Ideas
Unicameral Legislature
Equal Representation in Congress  1 vote per state
Plural Executive (2 Presidents)
Supreme Court

7. 3. The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
A. Solved representation problem B. Bicameral Legislature 1. Senate – equal representation 2. House of Representatives – proportional representation C. Supreme Court D. Single Executive (President) E. Strong National GOVT
Senate choosen by State Legislatures
House of Reps choosen by People

8. 4. Three-Fifths Compromise
“Curse on the U.S. Constitution”
A. Are Slaves property or people?
B. Count slaves as 3/5’s of a person for representation
C. States must pay taxes on 3/5’s of slaves
Madison tries to get rid of slavery but fails
Southern economy tied to slavery

9. 5. Economic Compromise Main Ideas
Slave Trade ends in 1808
Congress could not impose duties (taxes) on exports
Treaties must be approved by 2/3 vote of the Senate
B. Constitution approved September 17th, 1787

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