1. The U.S. Constitutional Convention May 25 to September 17, 1787 Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia

2. Constitutional
Compromises

3. Representation in Congress
Problem
Representation in Congress

4. Large states wanted representation based on population.
"Virginia Plan"

5. Small states wanted equal representation.
"New Jersey Plan"

6. “The Great Compromise”
Solution
Connecticut Plan
“The Great Compromise”
Two Houses
One based on population – “House of Representatives”
One based on equal representation – “Senate”

7. Counting slaves in state’s population for representation and taxation?
Problem
Counting slaves in state’s population for representation and taxation?

8. Southern States want to count their slaves as part of their population.

9. Northern States did not want to count slaves

10. Three-Fifths Compromise
Solution
Three-Fifths Compromise
Every 5 slaves in a state would count as 3 free people toward representation. 3/5

11. The Preamble (handout)
This introduction states why the constitution was written.
to form a more perfect union (states cooperate and work together) :recognize drivers licenses, marriage licenses, do business across state lines
establish justice (equality and fairness of law for everyone) :courts, fair police treatment, right to an attorney, rights of the accused, no racial profiling
insure domestic tranquility (peace at home in the U.S., no riots, no crime, no domestic violence, no wife beating, bullying, or fights) :policing, education, social programs
provide for the common defense (protection from war and terrorism) :army, navy, air force, marines, CIA, military treaties, Homeland Security,
promote the general welfare (protect the well being of people) :safe water, food, medicine, schools, roads, hospitals, trash pickup
secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity (guarantee our rights and our children’s rights, for all future generations) :amendments, civil rights laws, hate crime laws, right to an attorney, court systems, due process, lawsuits

12. Article I Establishes the legislative branch of government
Creates a two house congress (bicameral)
Specifies powers granted to congress

13. Article II Establishes the Executive Branch of government
Describes the procedures for the election, installation and removal of the president
Outlines the powers and duties of the president

14. Article III Establishes the Judicial Branch of government
Provides for the establishment of the Supreme court and other federal courts
Defines treason and punishment for treason

15. Article IV Defines the relations among the states
Ensures that each state recognizes the laws of other states
Guarantees extradition of criminals between states
Outlines how new states may enter the union

16. Article V Outlines how the Constitution can be amended
An amendment can be proposed by 2/3 of Congress or it can be proposed by 2/3 of the states calling for a convention (never happened)
An amendment can be ratified by ¾ of the state legislatures or by convention of ¾ of the states (never happened)

17. Article VI
Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as supreme when in conflict with laws of the states
Known as the supremacy clause

18. Article VII Describes how the Constitution was to be ratified
Required approval of only 9 of the 13 original states
Federalists wanted it ratified as it was, Anti-Federalists wanted a bill of rights added
The constitution went into effect in June of 1788

19. Amendments There are 27 amendments to the U.S. Constitution
The first 10 amendments are known as the “Bill of Rights”
The first Amendment contains many of our civil rights
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom of the press
Freedom of assembly
Freedom of petition