1. The Constitutional Convention and Its Product
APUSH
Ms. Weston
9/27/12

2. Why a Constitutional Convention?
Problems with commerce!
Congress follows Hamilton’s call to REVISE the Articles of Confederation.
Delegates NOT chosen directly by people!
Resulted in a select group of propertied men.
Such as:

3. Moderates like:
Not the most revolutionary leaders—they stayed home!

4. Priorities of Delegates
Conservative and wealthy
Many slave owners
NATIONALISTS
Stable political structure that would last.
Ensure security of new nation—especially from “mobocracy”
To do this—MUST GET RID OF ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION and create NEW system of government.

5. Large states vs. Small States
Issue of representation: Large states wanted based on population (Virginia), Small states wanted equal representation (New Jersey)
Almost led to deadlock.
Agree to Great Compromise.

6. Powerful Presidency Wanted strong authority figure for new country.
President given important powers, but not absolute—SEPARATION OF POWERS.

7. Other Key Provisions Electoral college 3/5ths Compromise
Indirect election of president
Both large states and small states can benefit
3/5ths Compromise
Continue slave trade until 1807.

8. A Conservative Constitution
Wanted to protect economic and political interests.
Sound economy and private property
Kept lower-classes and blacks from voting
Election of senators and federal judges INDIRECT!!!

9. Some Democratic Elements
Consent of the governed
Limited government
Power of the people—”We the People”…

10. Battle for Ratification
Change the law of unanimity– would become law when 9 states ratified.
Went over the head of the Articles, and State Legislatures directly to the people.

11. Federalists vs. Antifederalists
Wealthy, often powerful
Lived in settled areas, on coast
Educated
Controlled the press

12. Federalists vs. Antifederalists ctnd.
Included many revolutionaries
Mainly people devoted to states rights, lived in backcountry, small farmers.
Believed Constitution was plot by upper class to get even more power from common folk.
Criticized Constitution for taking away freedom of states and individuals.

13. Ratification
The Federalists had to promise the Antifederalists that a Bill of Rights would be drawn up soon after ratification.
9 states ratified by 1788.

14. Lagging States
Virginia, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island. RATIFIED BECAUSE THEY HAD TO!
In New York—The Federalist plays key role
Anonymously written by Hamilton and Madison
Propaganda in favor of Constitution
Federalist No.10– proved was possible to extend a republican form of government over the large territory of US.

15. A Conservative Triumph?
¼ adult males in country elected delegates who ratified Constitution.
Safe-guards built in to protect against rebels and mobs.
Ex: Indirect elections, lifetime appointments

16. Republicanism Survived
Separation of powers– but all were meant to represent the people.
Balance between liberty and order.

17. Multiple Choice Practice
28.The "Great Compromise" in the Constitutional Convention provided that
A. a. the House of Representatives would be elected by the people and the Senate by the state legislatures. B. b. the large states would be taxed on the basis of population and the small states on the basis of territory. C. c. there would be separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches of government. D. d. there would be representation by population in the House of Representatives but equal representation of all states in the Senate Antifederalists generally found their greatest support among
A. a. small states like Delaware and New Jersey. B. b. the commercial areas of the eastern seaboard. C. c. the poorer debtors and farmers. D. d. the wealthy and well educated.