1. FiX-A-Failure---The Constitutional convention
Unit 3, Lesson 3
FiX-A-Failure---The Constitutional convention

2. Shays’ Rebellion
A postwar depression had left many small farmers unable to pay their debts and threatened with mortgage foreclosures (taking away their houses).
In western Massachusetts, a small band of farmers led by Captain Daniel Shays
Raided federal arsenal (where weapons are stored)
Took over a courthouse (even the MA militia couldn’t compete with them!)
Did not want judges taking away their homes!

3. Shays’ Rebellion
Shays’ Rebellion was the fiercest outbreak of public discontent in the new nation and demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Scared the government similar situations would occur in other states
The rebellion convinced many states of the need for a stronger central government.

4. Change is Needed
As the economic and military weaknesses became apparent, people began asking for changes to the Articles of Confederation
Citizens also supported this change!

5. Philadelphia Convention
At the urging of the states, Congress invited delegates from all of the states to Philadelphia
Original Purpose: Revise the AOC
Actual Outcome: THE CONSTITUTION!
The delegates to the Convention, which was a confidential conference, would throw out the Articles of Confederation to write the United States Constitution.

6. Philadelphia Convention
Who was there?
55 delegates to the Philadelphia Convention
All were white , male, landowners
Delegates included:
Benjamin Franklin – one of the most respected men in America; primary role at the convention was to encourage cooperation among the delegates
James Madison – had a plan for a stronger national government; the “Father of the Constitution”
George Washington – highly respected; believed in a strong national government
Discuss who was at the Philadelphia Convention. The 55 delegates were composed of white, male landowners – some of whom possessed above average wealth. Groups not represented were women, slaves, and Native Americans.
Photos from

7. Philadelphia Convention
Met for four months in 1787
Proceedings held in secrecy
Quickly realized the AOC needed to be thrown out.
All states received one vote at the convention
This was done to please the small states who felt it was unfair to give more votes to the larger states
Discuss the main ideas the delegates had going into the Philadelphia Convention. They were aware they would not be “revising” the Articles of Confederation, but writing an entirely new constitution.
The proceedings were kept a secret so those inside the convention felt they could speak freely, not be impacted by outside opinion, and so the public could not see the arguments that took place during the writing of this document. Many felt if the general public knew the conflicts behind the document, the public would not support something that was so potentially divisive.
Small states wanted equal representation at the convention, thus the one state, one vote system. The small states threatened to leave if the larger states were given more votes.
Discuss the title of “Framers” given to the delegates of the Philadelphia Convention.
Those who attended would be known as the “Framers,” as they would be the ones to create the framework of the United States government in the Constitution.

8. Fixing Congress Under the AOC all states had ONE vote when making federal laws…
Small States
Large States
Feared large states would have more power if they were given votes based on population.
Wanted one vote per state.
Felt their interests would not be properly represented with one vote per state.
Wanted representation based on population. (The bigger the population, the more votes you get!)
See Article I Sections 1-6 and the 17th Amendment

9. Fixing Congress Solution: COMPROMISE!
Create a BI-CAMERAL CONGRESS (2 HOUSES)
Senate- 2 members from every state (population doesn’t matter)
House of Representatives- number of reps based on state population (the larger your state population, the more reps (votes) you get)
Florida- 29 Representatives
North Dakota- 1 Representative
Today: Congress
Senate- 100 Members
House of Reps- 435 Members
Bills must pass BOTH houses by a majority vote before they can become a law! 

10. Fix-a-Failure
Congress has the power to set and collect taxes from the people.
-Tax law is created by Congress.
How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Problem
Congress could not collect taxes.
No taxes=no money to run the country X

11. ? Fix-a-Failure Problem
How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Problem
There was no executive branch for the central government.
The power to execute the law will belong to the President
-several executive agencies to help
Central and national government is used interchangeably ?

12. How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Fix-a-Failure
Problem
Congress had no power to enforce its own laws in the states.
main job of the executive branch enforce laws.
Add other citations

13. Fix-a-Failure
Congress has the power to regulate trade between the states.
-Create laws regarding interstate trade
How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Problem
Congress could not regulate trade between the states.

14. How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Fix-a-Failure
How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Problem
Congress could not make states follow trade agreements with other nations
Congress has the power to regulate trade with foreign countries.
-approves treaties created by the president and leaders of other nations X

15. Fix-a-Failure MISSING Problem There was no Judicial Branch
How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Problem
There was no Judicial Branch
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the nation
-Interprets laws (are they fair?)
-Other federal courts created by Congress
MISSING

16. Fix-a-Failure Problem
How did the Constitution fix this problem?
Problem
The Articles required a unanimous vote to make changes to the Articles
Constitution can be changed if 2/3 of both houses of Congress approve
Valid as part of the Constitution if ¾ of the state legislatures agree
The Amendment Process (27 Amendments Total)