1. Journal Entry
Make a list of as many “founding fathers” as you can think of. Then answer …
What does it mean to be a founding father

2. Download Origins of the American Constitution Project
This slideshow will complete the 2.1 notes

3. The Constitutional Convention
Supplementary Notes

4. Fixing the Articles
The congressional congress met to revise the Articles of the Confederacy
Then they decided to scrap the articles and start over
3 People Presided over the Constitutional Convention
Benjamin Franklin – 81 years old and played an active role in the debates over the constitution
George Washington – presided over the meeting
James Madison – known as the “Father of the Constitution” – because he was the author of the basic plan of government

5. Decisions and Compromises
Virginia Plan
Two houses – an upper and lower house based on population
Lower elected by the people
Upper elected by the lower
Executive branch chosen by legislature
Judiciary chosen by the legislature

6. Decisions and Compromises
The New Jersey Plan
One house – with one delegate from each state
Weak executive elected by legislature
Congress would have power to tax and regulate trade

7. Decisions and Compromises
Connecticut Compromise
House of Representatives – based on population
All spending and taxes start in this house
House is elected by the people
Senate
2 members from each state
Senate is elected by the states legislatures
(This was changed with the 17 amendment)
Amendments = Changes to the Constitution
Executive
Elected by the electoral college

8. Decisions and Compromises
Three-Fifth’s Compromise
3/5 of the slaves in the south would be counted for taxing and population purposes

9. Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist
Anti-Federalist arguments
Extralegal – not sanctioned by law
Lacked a Bill of Rights
Federalist Arguments
Anarchy without a strong central government
In order to gain support, the Federalist wrote a Bill of Rights

10. A New Country George Washington was chosen to be President
22 Senators and 59 representatives elected
And 10 Amendments were drafted and ratified – the Bill of Rights – the 1st ten amendments

11. The Philadelphia Miracle