1. Constitutional Underpinnings #2
Constitutional Convention

2. The Convention Goal: revise AofC
Held at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1787
Framers: those who write Const.
12/13 states send delegates
Decide to start over

3. The Plans Virginia Plan (large states) 3 Branches
Legislative (makes laws)
Bicameral: 2 Houses
Upper House
Lower House
Each send reps based on state’s population
Executive (enforces laws)
Judicial (interprets laws)

4. New Jersey Plan (small states)
3 Branches:
Leg
Unicameral
Equal numbers of reps per states Ex
Multiple ppl – so as to divide power
Jud

5. Constitution “Bundle of Compromise”
Great or Connecticut Compromise
3 Branches
Leg: Bicameral, called Congress
Senate: Upper House
Equal reps – 2
State Legislatures determine reps until 17th amendment (1913)which gives ppl right to vote in Senators

6. GREAT COMP. CONT’D House of Representatives: Lower House
# of reps is based on population
Each state gets at least one, CA has 53 today
Elected directly by the ppl
Executive:
Electoral College elects pres/VP: indirect method of choosing leader

7. 3rd Branch Judicial 3 levels of federal courts Supreme Ct highest
Appointed by pres, approved by S

8. North – South Compromises
B/C HR is based on pop, how should slaves be counted?
Every 5 slaves counted as 3 ppl for representation in the HR
Commerce Compromise
Tax imports (tariffs), but not exports
Slave Trade Compromise
Cong could outlaw slave trade in 20 years, 1808

9. How does the Great Compromise satisfy both large and small states?