1. The United States Constitution
Sweet Old Documents, YEAH!

2. Convention! Huzzah!
Convention called “for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.”
Rhode Island didn’t show up, can’t amend the Articles
Chuck out the Articles and start fresh

3. Important Compromises
Connecticut Compromise (a.k.a. Great Compromise)
Love-child of New Jersey and Virginia Plans
NJ – Congress with equal representation for all states
VA – Congress with representation based on population
Bicameral Legislature
one house based on pop (House of Reps)
One house equal (Senate)

4. Compromises cont’d Slavery – two big decisions
Agreed that Congress could limit future importation of slaves (beginning in 1808)
Agreed that each slave would count as 3/5 of a person

5. So what do we end up with?
The oldest written Constitution still in effect
Ballpark 7,591words (counting Amendments)
Three main parts
Preamble - Intro
Articles - Body
Amendments – The new bits

6. Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

7. Articles Article I – Legislative Branch Article II – Executive Branch
Article III – Judicial Branch
Article IV – Relations between States
Article V – Amendment Process
Article VI – Supremacy Clause
Article VII – Ratification (9/13 states)

8. Major Principles Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Federalism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Judicial Review