1. The Constitutional Convention

2. The Constitutional Convention
The Articles just have way too many problems. We need to start over.
The Constitutional Convention
Original Purpose: to fix the problems of the Articles of Confederation
Chose George Washington to preside over the meeting
Eventually, they decided that there were too many problems and they needed to just start over

3. “The Father of the Constitution”
James Madison
“The Father of the Constitution”

4. First Issue: How should each state be represented in the national government?

5. We hate this plan because larger states get more representation!
Virginia Plan
We like this plan because it gives us more power!
Legislature made up of 2 houses
Lower House: Representatives would be elected based on population
Upper House: equal representation for each state
Large States
We hate this plan because larger states get more representation!
Small States

6. Finally a plan that is fair!
We hate this plan because its not fair! We have a bigger population!
New Jersey Plan
Legislature made up of one house
Each state only sends one representative
Finally a plan that is fair!

7. The Great Compromise Legislature made up of 2 houses
Lower house= House of Representatives
# of representatives based on state population
Upper house= Senate
Each state gets 2 representatives

8. Second Issue: Should slaves count toward population totals?

9. 3/5ths Compromise
Southern states wanted to include slaves in their population total
Northern states believed this would give southern states an unfair advantage in the House of Representatives
Agreed to count only three-fifths of a state’s slave population

10. Third Issue: How should the government be set up?

11. Two Concepts Frame the Government
Limited government- government power is limited by a set of rules (Constitution)
Separation of Powers- powers of the national government were divided between multiple groups instead of given to just one person or group

12. Confederation is out… Federalism is in!
The founders ditched the Confederation and created a Federalism
Government in which power is shared between the national government and the state governments

13. Powers of the National Government Enumerated powers
Control foreign affairs
Provide for national defense
Regulate trade between states
Coin money

14. Powers of the State Governments Reserved Powers
Education
Marriage laws
Regulate trade within their state

15. Powers of both!
Tax
Borrow money
Pay debts

16. Create Laws Enforces Laws Interpret Laws
Separation of Powers
Create
Laws
Enforces
Laws
Interpret
Laws

17. Checks and Balances: How the each branch makes sure that the others don’t have too much power

18. The Electoral College: How the president is elected!
Each state chooses electors equal to the total number of representatives and Senators in Congress from that state
Those electors cast their vote for the presidential candidate that their state’s population chooses
Which states are important
for candidates to win?

19. After the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution
was sent to the states for
ratification or approval

20. We like strong government! Support the Constitution!
Federalists
Supported ratification of the Constitution
George Washington, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton
Supporters: people from urban areas, especially merchants, skilled workers, and laborers
Wrote the “Federalist Papers” which explained the constitutional provisions (ex. separation of powers) to convince Americans to support the Constitution

21. We hate strong government! Do not support the Constitution!
Anti-Federalists
We hate strong government! Do not support the Constitution!
Opposed ratification of the Constitution because they did NOT want a strong central government and wanted to protect people’s personal rights and freedoms
Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee
Supporters: people from rural areas who feared a strong central government that could tax them more
Insisted a Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution to guarantee and protect citizen’s personal liberties and freedoms

22. Bill of Rights First 10 amendments to the Constitution
Added to convince the Anti-Federalists to support ratification
After it was added, the Anti-Federalists agreed to ratify the Constitution

23. The First Amendment Religious and Political Freedom
R A P P S Freedom of: R eligion A ssembly P ress P etition S peech

24. The Second Amendment The Right to Bear Arms
You have the right to own guns What are some recent issues with this amendment?

25. The Third Amendment Freedom from Quartering Troops
The Federal government cannot force you to house federal troops in your private home.
Why is this in the Bill of Rights?

26. The Fourth Amendment Freedom Against Unreasonable Search and Seizure
Government agencies must have probable cause or an official warrant signed by a judge to search you, your stuff, your home, your car, etc.

27. The Fifth Amendment Rights of Accused Persons
Grand Jury has to decide whether there's enough evidence for a trial
Double Jeopardy
You can’t be forced to testify against yourself
You can't be killed, put in jail, or fined, unless you were convicted of a crime by a jury
The government can't take your house or possessions unless they pay you for it

28. The Sixth Amendment Right to a Speedy, Public Trial
You have the right to a speedy, public trial with an impartial jury
You have the right to know what you are accused of
You have the right to cross- examine any witnesses called against you and to call your own witnesses
You have the right to an attorney

29. The Seventh Amendment Right to a Trial by Jury
You have the right to a trial by jury in civil cases over $20

30. The Eighth Amendment Limits on Fines and Punishments
Bail amount must fit the crime
No cruel or unusual punishment

31. The Ninth Amendment Rights of the People
Just because a right isn’t listed in the Bill of Rights, doesn’t mean the government can take that right away

32. The Tenth Amendment Powers of the States and the People
Any powers not given to the Federal government in the Constitution belong to the states and the people