1. The Constitutional Convention
How did the American colonists attempt to fix the problems of the Articles of Confederation?

2. We go to Philadelphia! Remember why the Articles were so weak?
Alexander Hamilton (NY) organizes convention at Independence Hall (Philadelphia) for May 25, 1787
All states invited to send delegates
12/13 came
Rhode Island said no  leaders opposed stronger central government

3. The Participants
55 delegates  white men (many wealthy planters/ lawyers; many owned slaves)
Who wasn’t invited? Women, Native Americans, African Americans
Thomas Jefferson & James Adams weren’t there  they were in Europe

4. Key Decisions
George Washington unanimously chosen as head of convention
Decided to keep everything they were doing secret
We have almost no written records; some from James Madison’s journal
Quickly agreed to totally get rid of Articles & start a new government

5. So… what did they talk about
So… what did they talk about? They couldn’t decide on representation, population, taxes, and slavery.

6. Representation: What’s the dilemma?
Virginia Plan: supported by large states
1. Bicameral legislature
2. Representation based on population: large states have more representatives and more power
New Jersey Plan: supported by small states
1. Unicameral Legislature
2. Equal Representation: 1 state, 1 vote

7. What’s the solution? The Great Compromise/ Connecticut Compromise
What did it say?
Bicameral Legislature
Senate with equal representation 2 per state
House of Representatives with representation based on population

8. Population: What’s the dilemma?
Southern states want slaves to be counted as part of population
Northern states did not want slaves counted because it makes slave states more powerful
550,000 slaves, mostly in South
Northern states had few enslaved people  opposed idea. Argued that because slaves couldn’t vote or otherwise participate in government, they shouldn’t be used to give Southern states a greater voice in Congress.

9. What’s the solution? The Three-Fifths Compromise What did it say?
Decide that three out of every five slaves will count in a state’s population

10. Trade & Taxes: what’s the dilemma?
Northern states want the national government to be able to regulate trade
Southern states don’t want regulation: concerned it would include taxes on exports, and laws against the slave trade

11. What’s the solution? Trade/ Commerce Compromise What did it say?
Congress can regulate trade, but cannot tax exports
No new laws about slave trade until 1808 (ignore issue until then)

12. The President: what’s the dilemma?
Some did not trust regular people to make a good choice about the Presidency & wanted Congress to choose
Others believed people should vote

13. Electing The President: what’s the solution?
President Compromise
What did it say?
Created Electoral College
State legislatures choose electors who meet together to decide the President

14. Now, it’s your turn…
Imagine you are a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in For the rest of class, we will discuss our states’ perspectives on the various aspects of the new Constitution.

15. With the other delegates from your state, discuss and answer the questions following Madison’s letter. Use the census data to help you answer questions about population, representation, and slavery.

16. 1790 United States Census Data
State Total Population Slave Population
Connecticut 237, ,764
Delaware 59, ,887
Georgia 82, ,264
Maryland , ,036
Massachusetts 378,
New Hampshire 141,
New Jersey 184, ,423
New York , ,324
North Carolina 393, ,572
Pennsylvania 434, ,737
Rhode Island 68,
South Carolina 249, ,094
Virginia , ,627

17. We wrote & passed the Constitution. Yay! Now what?
Ratify = Approve
¾ of states (9 out of 13) must ratify the Constitution before it will take effect

18. But wait! More dilemmas! SHOULD we ratify the Constitution?
Federalists: Support ratification
Why?
Only strong national gov’t can protect from enemies abroad & solve internal problems

19. Vs… Anti-Federalists: Oppose Constitution Why?
Makes national government too powerful
Does not adequately protect citizens
Wanted bill of rights added to Constitution to protect individual freedoms
Many states said they would not ratify Constitution without addition of bill of rights

20. Finally Ratified…
Federalists agree to add Bill of Rights to the Constitution if Anti-Federalists will support ratification
July 21, 1788: New Hampshire becomes the 9th state to ratify the Constitution
It’s OFFICIAL! In 1789
NC did not ratify until over a year later (we were 2nd to last of original 13 to ratify)

21. Federalists vs. anti-federalists
Recap & Extension
FEDERALISTS
Support ratification
Named for “federalism” – nat’l & state gov’ts share power
Supporters: mostly large landowners

22. The Federalist Papers
Series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison
Defend Constitution/ why we should ratify

23. Vs…. Anti-federalists Oppose ratification
State gov’ts should be strong
“Anti-Federalist Papers”
Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, George Mason

24. Who do you agree with? (L)
Who do you agree with more – federalists or anti-federalists? Put yourself in the shoes of an American in Remember everything that’s happened up until this point (Britain, king, independence, Constitutional Convention, etc). Write a short paragraph explaining your viewpoint. Give at least 3 clear reasons to support your position.