1. Imagine…. Hot weather… Widows closed shut from flies and to keep away eavesdroppers… tension… 50 men all speaking at once…. Each with an opinion and interests to protect…. From May 25, 1787-September Welcome to the Constitutional Convention!

2. Meet the Framers!
In 1787, 12/13 states sent delegates [all except Rhode Island] to Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention.
Out of 74 chosen delegates, only 55 showed up!
Thomas Jefferson, who wasn’t there, later said that this was “an assembly of demi-gods”
The delegates at the Convention were called Framers.

3. Rules at the beginning of the Convention
The Convention could only conduct any new business if a majority of the states (at least 7) were present.
Each State delegation was to have ONE vote on all matters.
Majority of the votes would carry any proposal.
Total meeting time: 92 out of the 116 days from May 25-September 17.
Most of the work done together: little in committees

4. WRITE A NEW CONSTITUTION TO REPLACE THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION
May 30 they announce:
“Resolved,… that a national Government ought to be established consisting of a supreme Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.”
---Edmund Randolph, Delegate from VA
They all agreed…. And so the NEW purpose of the convention was to:
WRITE A NEW CONSTITUTION TO REPLACE THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

5. TWO Different Constitutional Plans OFFERED
The Virginia Plan
Three branches of government
Bicameral legislature
“National Executive” and “National Judiciary”
The New Jersey Plan
Unicameral Congress
Equal representation for States of different sizes
More than one federal executive 1 2 3 5
Chapter 2, Section 4

6. Constitutional Compromises
The Connecticut Compromise/Great Compromise
Delegates agreed on a bicameral (two houses) Congress, the smaller segment with equal representation for States, and the larger segment with representation proportionate to the States’ populations.
The Three-Fifths CompromiseCompromise
The Framers decided to count a slave as three-fifths of a person when determining the population of a State.
The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise
Congress was forbidden from taxing exported goods, and was not allowed to act on the slave trade for 20 years. 1 2 3 5
Chapter 2, Section 4

7. Fight for Ratification
Under the Articles, any changed need all 13 states' approval…
Since the constitution was to replace, not amend the Articles of Confederation…. The framers determined that:
“The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same.” ---Article VIII
September 28, 1787…Sent copies of Constitution to all the states.

8. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists
The Constitution was very controversial at first, with some groups supporting it, and others attacking it.
Federalists argued for the ratification of the Constitution.
Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5

9. Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Led by Constitutional Convention members: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton
Led by Revolutionary War figures: Patrick Henry, Richard Henry lee, John Hancock, Samuel Adams
ARGUMENTS
1. Articles of Confederation were weak
1. Ratification process is flawed
2. Strong government needed to solve nation’s problems
2. Presidency could become a monarchy
3. Liberties are protected in State constitutions
3. Congress could become too powerful
4. Separation of powers would prevent abuse
4. Lacked bill of rights
5. States lacked power to print money

10. #1 argument against the Constitution: lack of a bill of rights
Something that would protect people’s basic rights like freedom of speech, press, and religion.
Patrick Henry said: “I look on that paper as the most fatal plan that could possibly be conceived to enslave a free people.”
Federalists promised to amend Constitution and add bill of rights

11. The Constitution is Ratified
Nine States ratified the Constitution by June 21, 1788, but the new government needed the ratification of the large States like New York and Virginia.
Without these two states, the biggest of the 13, government had no hope to succeed and needed their support
Great debates were held in both States, with Virginia ratifying the Constitution June 25, 1788.
Supporters of the Constitution still wanted New York’s support so they published the Federalist Papers. They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5

12. Inaugurating the Government
September 13, 1788: 11 out of 13 states approved it
New York City named as temporary capital
The new Congress met for the first time on March 4, 1789.
Congress finally attained a quorum (majority) on April 6 and counted the electoral votes. Congress found that George Washington had been unanimously elected President. He was inaugurated on April 30 as 1st President of the United States! 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5

13. Section 5 Review
1. The debate over the ratification of the Constitution was won by the
(a) Anti-Federalists.
(b) Whigs.
(c) Federalists.
(d) Tories.
2. The temporary capital of the United States where Congress met in was
(a) Washington, D.C.
(b) Philadelphia.
(c) New York.
(d) Mount Vernon.
Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this section? Click Here! 1 2 3 4
Chapter 2, Section 5