1. Sometimes it takes a second time to get it right!
The U.S. Constitution
Sometimes it takes a second time to get it right!

2. A. The Convention

3. Philadelphia Convention (May-September 1787)
Meeting of 12 states to “fix” the Articles
Instead, they write the Constitution
George Washington is elected the leader of the Convention
James Madison is the main writer
Meetings held in secret

4. B. Influences

5. The Enlightenment Philosophers
John Locke
Natural Rights
Baron de Montesquieu
Three Branches of Government
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Consent of the Governed
Thomas Hobbes
Social Contract
Voltaire
Freedom of Speech & Religion

6. Various Documents Mayflower Compact (1620)
Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1638)
The State Constitutions

7. C. Major Issues

8. Issue of Representation
Virginia Plan:
Bicameral Legislature
Representation based on Population
Good for large states (VA, NY, MA)
New Jersey Plan:
Unicameral Legislature
Representation is equal for all states
Good for small states (NJ, DE, CT)

9. Solution The "Great Compromise" (Connecticut Compromise)
Bicameral Legislature
House of Representatives based on population
Senate has equal representation
Popular vote vs. Appointment
HOR would be by popular vote
Senate would be by appointment by state legislatures

10. North-South Issues North wanted Congress to control Commerce
North’s economy mainly based on commerce
South wanted slaves to count for representation
Also wanted the slave trade to be protected

11. Solution Three-Fifths Compromise:
Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation & taxation
Slave Trade:
Would be banned in 1808

12. D. The Set-Up

13. The Basics Federal System Separation of powers – 3 branches
Strong central gov’t with the states still retaining some powers
Separation of powers – 3 branches
The Electoral College
Check on the people
Congress CAN levy taxes and regulate commerce

14. E. Ratification
Constitution is signed on September 17, 1787 and sent to the states to be ratified

15. Did Everyone Want the Constitution?
Federalists
Those in favor of the Constitution
Mainly Industrialists or Businessmen
Anti-Federalists
Those against the Constitution
Mainly farmers
Believed the Constitution gave too much power to the national government

17. The Federalist Papers
Written by James Madison, John Jay, & Alexander Hamilton to persuade people to ratify the Constitution
Anti-Federalists hold out because of the lack of a Bill of Rights
Federalists agree it will be added

18. Ratification 9 states needed to ratify
Constitution went into effect on March 4, 1789