1. Creating the Constitution

2. Framers 1787, 55 delegates attend a convention
Group will be known as the framers of our constitution
Many served on the congresses, confederation or fought in the revolutionary war
Jefferson, Adams, Paine, Hancock, Lee were not there

3. George Washington was elected president of the convention
Majority of the states would have to be there to conduct business
Each state was given one vote

4. To avoid outside pressures they kept it secret
Most of what is known comes from James Madison’s notes
Also known as the “father of the constitution”
They knew they were forming a new government so they threw out the articles of confederation
Resolved to have a supreme legislative, executive and judiciary

5. Virginia Plan Largely the work of Madison Three separate branches
With checks and balances
Legislative would be bicameral
Representation based on population or amount of money contributed
House elected by citizens
Senate appointed by the House

6. New Jersey Plan Major issues of how do should states be represented
Unicameral congress, each state equally represented
Federal executive to oversee government
Major issues of how do should states be represented
Large states could overrule, small states lose their interests

7. Connecticut Compromise
Congress made up of two houses
Smaller one, Senate all will be equal
Larger one, House based on population
Next questions, should slaves be counted in population?
3/5ths compromise – free persons should be counted, and 3/5ths of other persons

8. Compromise Congress needed the power to regulate trade and commerce
Southern fear of shutting down the slave trade
Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise – congress was forbidden from taxing goods from any state

9. “Much time was spent sawing boards to make them fit” - Benjamin Franklin
13 colonies, different nationalities, ideas…
Many, many disputes and arguments over all issues of government

10. Sources of the Constitution
Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Great Britain, own experiences and literature of the time
September 17th the convention approved the constitution
“…But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.”
- James Madison
- our 4th President

11. Articles of Confederation vs. United States Constitution

12. Articles Of Confederation
1777
U.S. Constitution
1787
President
No President
President – elected by the people
Congress
Ruled Country
Each state had 1 vote
2 Houses – Create Laws
House of Representatives
Senate
Court System
No Court System
Federal Court System
State Court System
Local Court System
Printing Money
Each state printed their own money
Only the Federal government could print money
Good Thing
Northwest Ordinance how territories became states
Lasted over 200 years and still going strong
Only 7,000 words