1. Creating the constitution

2. Constitutional Convention
Big Idea: a new constitution provided a framework for a stronger national government
Main Idea: The Constitutional Convention met to improve the government of the United States
May 1787 – Philadelphia’s Independence Hall
Goal – how to improve the Articles of Confederation
James Madison – becomes known as the “Father of the Constitution”

3. Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Edmund Randolph presented Virginia Plan
Sovereignty – supreme power- to Central Government
Bicameral – 2 house legislation
Based on state population – Larger states would have more representation
Favored Large States
William Paterson presented New Jersey Plan
Gave federal government power to tax citizens in all states and regulate commerce, more power to State Govt’s
Unicameral – one house legislature
Each state had equal number of votes, equal voice
Favored Small States

4. The Great Compromise
Main Idea: issue over representation led to Great Compromise
Roger Sherman proposes a compromise – to make concessions to reach an agreement
Bicameral legislation -
Senate – 2 representatives (no matter size) upper house
House of Representatives – representation would be based on population of state (lower house)

6. Three – Fifths compromise
Main Idea: Regional debate over slavery led to the three-fifths compromise
South – Wanted slaves to counted as part of their population
North – Wanted slaves counted only to determine taxes, but not for representation
Three-Fifths Compromise – only 3/5’s of a slave state’s population would count when determining representation