1. The Constitutional Convention

2. Objectives
Today we will be able to identify the conflicts and compromises inherent in the drafting of the United States Constitution

3. What was the Constitutional Convention?
A meeting of state delegates in Philadelphia in May, 1787 to deal with the problems of the new nation.
Met in Independence Hall, same place that the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Who were the 55 delegates?
Lawyers, merchants, planters
Rich, well-educated, in their thirties or fourties
Leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton and George Washington.
Washington was elected presiding officer by unanimous vote

4. Areas of Conflict Big states vs. small states Slavery related issues
Proportional representation vs. equal representation
Slavery related issues
How should slaves be counted?

5. New Jersey and Virginia Plans
Virginia Plan – favored large, wealthy states. Call for a bicameral legislative branch based on population and wealth. A president chosen by the Congress and a High Court chosen by the Congress
New Jersey Plan- favored smaller, poorer states. Call for a unicameral legislative branch based on equality. Plural executive, chosen by the Congress High Court chosen by the executive

6. Connecticut Compromise “Great Compromise”
A bicameral legislative branch to make laws.
Bicameral – Two chambers (two houses)
House of Representatives based on population and a Senate based on equality.

7. Separation of Powers A bicameral legislature to make the laws
An executive to enforce laws chosen by an electoral college.
An independent judiciary called a Supreme Court. Judges nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
Delegates also established a system of checks and balances
Each branch needs another to get things done

8. Division of Powers
The new government was a form of federalism where power is divided between the national government and the state governments.

9. Other Compromises
3/5 Compromise- counted slaves as 3/5 of a free person for the purpose of taxes and representation.
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise- Congress could not tax exports and could not act on the slave trade for 20years at which point the trade would end.