1. The Constitutional Convention:
Out with the Old,
In with the NEW!

2. Why was Constitutional Convention necessary?
First system of gov’t = Articles of Confederation was a failure
Major structural problems

3. Major Problems of the Articles of Confederation
State gov’t had most of the power
National gov’t had very little power
Continental Congress had delegates from each state; however, each state only got one vote
2/3rds majority to pass any laws
Unanimous vote to amend the Articles
Nothing was getting done

4. Additional Problems No common currency Tariffs = tax on imported goods
Made trade between the states more difficult

5. More Problems No national army No national court system
No chief executive
Major boundary disputes between the states

6. States Claims Out West

7. Biggest Problem Inability to pay war debts
The states and the national gov’t owed huge sum of money
National gov’t has no taxing authority
Some states print more paper money to solve this problem – creates a bigger problem
Shays’ Rebellion

8. Constitutional Convention (1787)
Leaders from 12 of the 13 states gather in Philadelphia
Agree to keep their proceedings an absolute secret
George Washington chosen to lead the Convention
The Convention lasts throughout the summer of 1787

9. Influenced by the Enlightenment Thinkers
John Locke:
Consent of the governed
Natural rights = “life, liberty, and property”
Gov’t must protect these rights
Montesquieu:
Divide gov’t into three branches
Legislative = make the law
Executive = execute or carry out the law
Judicial = interpret the law
Voltaire:
Freedom of speech
Separation of Church & State

10. So what did they come up with?
School House Rocks
“REPUBLIC” ~ not a pure “democracy”
Ideas from Greek and Roman gov’ts
Greek words = “demos & kratos” = power to the people

11. Compromise is the Key Legislative Branch:
Virginia Plan ~ favored the big states
New Jersey Plan ~ favored the small states
The Great Compromise ~ introduced by Connecticut
Two bodies (bicameral): House of Rep’s (population) and the Senate (2 per state)

12. Legislative Branch Today

13. How many Presidents? Council of Presidents? One President?
How should he/she be elected?
Decision: One President elected by an electoral college
Electoral College Video

14. Slavery & Representation
How would slaves count in the population?
Southern states = yes, they should ~ more representation in the House of Rep’s
Northern states = no!
3/5ths Compromise = only 3/5ths of the slave population would count

15. Three Branches Legislative Branch (Congress) ~ make the laws
Executive Branch (President) ~ execute or carry out the law
Judicial Branch (the Courts) ~ interpret the law

16. Will the Constitution be approved?
9 out of 13 states must approve it
Lots of skepticism
Two main groups:
Federalists ~ support the new constitution
Anti-Federalists ~ oppose the new constitution