1. A Push for a Change
The Constitution

2. The Constitutional Convention
Independence Hall (Philadelphia, 1787)
55 Delegates
Goal: To Improve our National Government
Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, George Washington

3. Delegates of the Convention
WHO WOULD YOU SEND???????? WHY?

4. What separated the delegates?
Slavery Issues
Economic Issues
State Representatives
Most Importantly
Strong National Government VS
STATE GOVERNMENT

5. The Virginia Plan “The Large State Plan” Strong National Government
Judicial, Executive, Legislative branches
Legislative = Bi-cameral
Representatives: Selected based on State population
Why would a small state be against this?

6. The New Jersey Plan “The Small State Plan”
Keeping the structure the same.
Unicameral system
State Rep: Equal votes in congress
Additions to be made:
Power to tax citizens
Regulate commerce

7. The Great Compromise The Great Compromise
Upper House: Each state, regardless of size, equal vote
Lower House: Based on population.

8. Issues with Slavery 3/5 Compromise Slave Trade
Each slave would be counted as three fifths of a person when determining representation.
Slave Trade
The national government would wait 20 years before seeking to end the slave trade.
Conflict:
Northern States vs. Southern States

9. THE CONSTITUTION
Goal: Describe how the federal government is balanced under the U.S. Constitution

10. Our Living Constitution
Popular Sovereignty: the idea that political authority belongs to the people.
Federalism: the sharing of power between a central government and the states that make up a country.
Marble Cake
The swirl of the two colors

11. Our Living Constitution
ARTICLE VI:
“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”

12. Our Living Constitution
ARTICLE VI:
“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”

13. Sharing Power: National & States
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT LAWS AND POWERS GIVEN BY THE US CONSTITUTION
(THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)
State Governments
(OHIO)
Local Governments CUYAHOGA FALLS

14. Branches of Government
Legislative Branch: Congress: Responsible for proposing and passing laws.
Upper House: 2 Representatives for each state
Lower House: Representatives determined by state population

15. Branches of Government
Executive Branch:
The president and departments that help run the country.
Make sure the laws are carried out.

16. Branches of Government
Judicial Branch: (All National Courts):
Responsible for interpreting laws, punishing criminals, and settling disputes between states.

17. Checks and Balances: to keep any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

18. FINALIZE THE DOCUMENT
Debates lasted 16 weeks.
September
1787