1. Road to the Constitution

2. The Constitutional Convention
Began in Philadelphia 25 May 1787, 229 years ago at Independence Hall
Most of the 55 delegates were educated lawyers, merchants, college presidents, physicians, generals, governors and planters.

3. Rhode Island
Only Rhode Island refused to send a delegate, because they did not want a stronger central government

4. The constitutional Convention
8 of the delegates signed the Declaration of Independence.

5. Constitutional Convention Who was there?
Benjamin Franklin
Eldest delegate at 81
Famous as a scientist, inventor, writer and diplomat

6. Constitutional Convention Who was there?
Invented Bifocals
The Wood Stove
Discovered electricity
Started lending libraries
Launched projects to clean, light and pave streets.
Created the first hospital in Philadelphia

7. Constitutional Convention Who was there?
Created the first fire insurance company
Created the first volunteer fire department
Invented swimming fins

8. Constitutional Convention Who was there?
2 would become Presidents
19 would become Senators
13 would serve in the House of representatives
4 would become federal Judges
4 would become Supreme Court Justices
George Washington
James Madison

9. The Presiding Delegate George Washington
Washington advocated a stronger central government.
The Convention’s success was immeasurably influenced by his presence and dignity.

10. The Presiding Delegate George Washington
In addition Washington warned that if an agreement could not be reached toward an acceptable plan of government, another war could ensue.

11. Operating Procedures of the Convention
Committee was appointed to set the Rules
7 states needed to be represented at a minimum
Decisions were to made by majority rule with each state having one vote.
- This meant even though there were several delegates to each state, majority rule within each delegation must be adhered to.

12. Operating Procedures of the Convention
Delegates agreed to keep all discussions secret.
Doors were guarded
No access by the public
Secrecy rule allowed delegates to speak freely
No formal records of the convention were kept

13. Need for a New Constitution
Congress was given the task of revising the Articles of Confederation
They decided to discard the Articles and come up with a new Constitution
As a result it became known as the
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

14. Early decisions of the Constitutional Convention
George Washington made the presiding authority
No meetings unless at least 7 states are present
Majority Rule
Each state had 1 vote
Decisions were to be kept secret
Discard the Articles of Confederation
Write a new Constitution

15. Essay
If you had been a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, would you have voted in favor of the secrecy rule?
Support your answer.
Why? Or why not?