1. American Constitutionalism

2. The Lessons of Experience
Lessons of the colonial experience
Lessons of the war
Lessons from the state constitutions

3. The Articles of Confederation
State Sovereignty/Autonomy
Equal Vote per State
Amendments require unanimous consent
Limited Federal Power
No power to tax, regulate trade
No executive or judicial authority

4. Controversies at the Convention
Purpose of the convention
Strength of the new national government
Status of the states
Balancing the power of regions and states
Role of the people (i.e. how democratic?)

5. Key Decisions Secrecy Expanded, but limited, national power.
Compromises among regions.
Great Compromise
3/5 Compromise

6. Key Decisions Divided power Internal checks and balances
Separation of powers
Federalism
Bicameral legislature
Internal checks and balances

8. Key Decisions
Indirect elections and staggered terms

9. Key Decisions
Amendment Procedures

10. Ratification Debate
Antifederalist attacks /Federalist defense

12. The Result Institutionalized stability
A government that represents both the states and the people, but is insulated from both.
Slow and deliberative policymaking (gridlock)

13. The Living Constitution
Vague language
Elastic Clause
Evolving Custom and Usage
Presidential Cabinet
Supreme Court interpretation
Expansion of the Bill of Rights
Amendments
Altering federal or state powers
Altering the electorate or its power
Make structural changes in government.