1. The Constitutional Convention
To form a More Perfect Union

2. Quick Review Declaration of Independence The Articles of Confederation
Second Continental Congress
Approved July 4, 1776
The Articles of Confederation
1777, our first constitution
Weak federal government
Shay’s Rebellion,

3. Strengthening the National Government
1787
Problems with the Articles of Confederation
States sent delegates to Philadelphia to fix the A.O.C.
Rhode Island did not go…they did not want a stronger central government

4. The Constitutional Convention
May 25, 1787
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
An extraordinary group of men
55 men
Well-educated
Lawyers, merchants, college presidents, doctors, generals, governors, and planters with considerable political experience

5. The Boss Who was chosen to preside over the convention?
George Washington
Respected for his leadership during the Rev. War

6. Procedures of the Convention
Each state was only allowed one vote
Majority votes from all states made decisions
All discussions were a secret! Why…?
This way, delegates could speak freely, without worry about how the public would react

7. Two Opposing Plans VS. Virginia vs. New Jersey

8. Two Opposing Plans The Virginia Plan James Madison
3 branches of government
Bicameral legislature (2 houses), determined by population
Favored big states

9. Two Opposing Plans The New Jersey Plan William Patterson
3 branches of government
Unicameral legislature (1 house) with equal representation
Favored smaller states

10. Two Opposing Plans What was the big issue?
How representation in Congress would be decided
Larger states wanted more power, smaller states wanted equal power

11. The Great Compromise
Roger Sherman of Connecticut comes up with the answer…a compromise
Lower House
House of Representatives
Determined by population
2 year terms
Favored larger states
Upper House
Senate
Equal representation
6 year terms
Favored smaller states
Also known as… The Connecticut Compromise

12. More arguing? What now?
Controversy over counting slaves as a part of the population…
At this time, there were 550,000 enslaved African Americans, mostly in the South

13. More arguing? What now?
Southern states said… part of the population = more representatives for southern states
Northern states said… slaves cannot vote or participate in government, they should not give the south more representatives

14. The Three-Fifths Compromise
The conflict was finally resolved…
Three-Fifths Compromise
Every 5 enslaved persons would count as 3 free people
Used for representation in Congress & figuring taxes

15. Another compromise How to elect a president?
Some say… “Let Congress pick!”
Others say… “Let the people choose!”
The compromise…

16. Electoral College
A group of people would be chosen by each state to choose the President
Each state given a certain number of votes, determined by their representation in Congress

17. The EC Explained

18. One last compromise Conflicts over commerce & the slave trade
Congress could regulate (control) trade between states & other countries
However, they could NOT tax exports or interfere with the slave trade for 20 years.
- No importation of slaves after 1808.

19. Finished…finally! September 17, 1787, finished up the Constitution
Delegates signed it, said the Constitution would become the law of the land when…
9 out of 13 states ratified (approved) it

20. A Divided Public Some people liked the Constitution, others did not
Federalists = supporters of the new constitution & a strong federal government
Federalism = A form of government in which power is divided between the federal (national) government and the states

21. A Divided Public
Some Federalists wrote papers to rally support for the Constitution
They were called the Federalist Papers (duh)
Who wrote ‘em?
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, & John Jay

22. A Divided Public What about those who didn’t like the Constitution?
Anti-Federalists = People opposed to the constitution & a strong federal government
“Don’t forget individual rights!”

23. Reaching an Agreement Anti-Federalists wanted to add…
The Bill of Rights
The Federalists promised to do so, and did
New Hampshire, 9th state to ratify
June 21, 1788
The Constitution went into effect
The last state to ratify…?
Rhode Island, 1790

24. 6 Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty- Power comes from the people.
Limited Government- the power listed in the constitution is the only power the constitution may have.
Separation of Powers- functions of government were divided.
- Congress- writes laws
Executive- enforces laws
Judicial- interprets laws

25. 6 Principles of the Constitution
Checks and Balances- each branch makes sure the other doesn’t get too powerful.
Judicial Review- Courts have the ability to void actions of Congress and the President.
Federalism- Powers are split between the state and Federal Government.