1. Birth of A New Nation…Again!
Unit 2: The Constitution

2. Setting the Scene: Call for Reform
September of 1786
Hamilton and Madison call for a meeting to discuss issues.
Only 5 states show up.
Reschedule meeting.
Shay’s Rebellion
All but 1 state sent representatives to Philadelphia.

3. Constitutional Convention
Met in May of 1787
Named Washington President.
Most recognized the need for change.
With in 5 days scrap the Articles.
Recognized the need for a STRONGER central government

4. Think-Pair-Share: Current Events
Take out the article you read at home.
What is the text, context, and subtext of the problem?
Is there something else motivating the debate? Please try identify the root cause of the problem.
Examples: Obamacare, the economy, education, etc.

5. The 6 Ideas that have shaped our country
“A Government Big enough to give everything you want is big enough to take everything you have”
Then…
Limited Government
Republicanism
Checks and Balances
Federalism
Separation of Powers
Popular Sovereignty
Do we see these ideas debated today?
…And now

6. 6 Ideas Shape Our Country Today

7. Let’s Get Ready to Rumble: The Main Issues at the Convention
Representation
Big States
Small States
Slavery
Existence
National Authority vs. State Authority

8. How Should we be Represented?
Edmund Randolph
James Madison
Father of the Constitution
Virginia Plan
Three Branches of Gov’t.
Bi Cameral House
Both would be based on population.
Proportional Representation
Which states would vote for this plan and why?

9. …Whoa Not so Fast William Paterson New Jersey Plan New Jersey Delegate
Unicameral House
Equal number of representatives.
Expand Congress’s power
Right to tax
Elect an executive.
Why did the delegates decide to use the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey plan did not contain solutions to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. This system continued the system established under the national government. The national government represented the states rather then the people.

10. The Connecticut Compromise
Rodger Sherman
Delegate from Conn.
The Great Compromise
Bi-Cameral Congress
One house based on population.
One house had equal representation

11. Everyone was has natural rights…
Who should be counted as part of the population?
Unity vs. Ideology
3/5ths compromise
Representation
Taxes
Slave Trade could not be touched until 1808
Fugitive Slave Clause

12. The Doom’s Day Clock is Set!
“religion and humanity have nothing to do with this slavery question. Interest alone is the governing principle of nations”
Carolinas and Georgia
Guaranteed protection
Slave Trade protected
1808
DOOM’S DAY CLOCK begins to tick