1. The Constitutional Convention

2. Successes of the Articles of Confederation
Northwest Ordinance
Divided the Northwest Territory into smaller territories, each governed by a territorial governor
5,000 free adult males=could elect its own legislature
60,000=could apply to Congress to become a state

3. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
No power to:
Tax
Raise $ for an army or navy
control trade among the states
enforce laws with an Executive Branch

4. So Leaders Created A Constitution
55 delegates
White
Males
Statesmen, lawyers, planters. bankers, businessmen
Most under age 50

5. Virginia Plan (favored by large states)
government with a bicameral legislature
Large house elected by popular vote
Smaller house chosen by lager house members from nominees chosen by state legislatures
Number of Representatives based on wealth

6. New Jersey Plan (favored by small states)
Unicameral house
Each state one vote
Did not require a strong central government

7. The Great Compromise Bicameral house- benefit all states
One house called Senate
Members chosen by the state legislatures
Each state gets one vote
One house called House of Representatives
Members chosen by population
Number of members based on population

8. 3/5ths Compromise favors Southern states
All slaves would be counted in the census for representation in the House as 3/5ths

9. Electoral College People chosen by the state legislatures
Vote for president and vice-president
Supposed to reflect the will of the people

10. Agreements and Compromises
Executive –
Presidents make executive agreements with other countries.
Not a delegated power
Do not have to be ratified by the Senate

11. Agreements and Compromises
Judicial-
Judicial review- the power of the court to interpret the Constitution
Judicial power to determine if a law is unconstitutional

12. Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty- the people rule. The power of the government is based on the consent of the governed.
Separation of powers- the division of the government into three separate branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

13. Federalists Vs. Anti-Federalists
When Constitution was sent to states for ratification (approval), Americans split into two on the issue:
1.) anti-federalists (felt document gave too much power to central gov’t, not enough for states and people)
2.) Federalists (supported strong central gov’t)