2. Who: 55 Delegates from 12 states (no Rhode Island) When: May 25 - September 17, 1787 Where: Philadelphia, PA Goal: Met to revise the Articles of Confederation

3. They decide to write a new plan for government... the Constitution!

4. Meetings kept secret!!

5. Side 1: Virginia Plan  Bicameral (two house) legislature  Representation in both houses based on population Side 2: New Jersey Plan  Unicameral (one house) legislature  Representation is equal

6. Created a bicameral (2 house) legislature to make laws  Senate: equal representation  (2 per state)  House of Representatives: Representation based on population

7. Northern States(Side 1):  Count slaves for taxes but not for representation Southern States(Side 2):  Count slaves for representation but not for taxes

8. Slaves will be counted as 3/5ths a person for representation and taxes

9. Side 1  Elected by the Congress Side 2  Elected directly by the people

10.  Made up of electors from each state  Number is decided by adding the # of Senators + the # of Representatives you have.  Electors are connect to but not legally bound to the popular vote.

11. Constitution signed by delegates September 17, 1787 Sent to the states for ratification  Ratify means to approve  9/13 states needed to ratify

12. Opposed the Constitution -- 2 main complaints  National government in Constitution was too powerful –power taken away from states  No list of rights (bill of rights) to protect people from strong national government

13. People who supported the ratification of the Constitution  Need a strong national government with power shared with the states  No need for a bill of rights because separation of powers will make it impossible for government to take away the people’s rights

14.  Essays written to gain support for ratification of the Constitution  Over 80 persuasive essays, written anonymously  Federalist #10: discussed how a strong government could protect against “factions” (groups of citizens)  Federalist #51: discussed the importance of checks and balances

15.  Bill of Rights is to be added to the Constitution to satisfy Anti-Federalists  10 Amendments (changes) to Constitution  Amend means to change  Protects people from the national government  Amendment 10: Basis for state power 9th state (New Hampshire) ratifies Constitution 1788 Washington elected President 1789 13 th state (Rhode Island) ratifies in 1790 Bill of Rights added 1791