1. Topic: Assessing the purpose of the Constitution

2. Confederation in Crisis
Shay’s Rebellion (1786)
Ex soldiers and indebted farmers
Brief fighting in Mass.
Weaknesses of the Confederation
Too much equality ? (“mobocracy”)
Class conflict?
Infighting amongst states
Economic problems
Massive war debts
Lack of trade
Paper money

3. Background of the Constitutional Convention (1787)
Representatives from each state to Philadelphia
“to revise the Articles”
The “best men”
Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison
Lawyers and technical experts
“Nationalists”
Preserve union, regulate “democracy”, protect property

4. Decisions of the Convention
Create a new government!!!
Rights vs. Law & Order
States vs. Central gov’t
Representation issue:
Virginia vs. NJ Plans
The Great Compromise (AKA The Connecticut Plan)
Bicameral Legislature
House of Reps
Senators
3/5 Compromise
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Checks and Balances
Electoral College
Amendment process (2/3)
Democratic or Reactionary?
“We the People…”
The Charles Beard Theory

5. Battle for Ratification
People to vote to accept the Constitution
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
“I smell a rat”
Lack of rights protection
Some states vote in favor, others wait
NY: The Federalist Papers (NY convinced)
Bill of Rights promised…as soon as the Constitution is passed

6. Conclusion
In your opinion, what was the main reason for the writing of the Constitution? Do you think it was necessary for the Articles to be replaced? Explain your reasoning.