1. Creating a Republic Part 2 A Grand Convention

2. It was decided that delegates from the different states would meet during the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia.

3. Philadelphia has a rich history, as it was one time America’s largest city and former capital.

4. City Hall is on the left of this picture. Until the 1980’s, there was somewhat of an unwritten rule that no building should be taller than the statue of William Penn on city hall.

5. Carpenter’s Hall Meeting place of the First Continental Congress Framework of Ben Franklin’s home, one of the most famous founding fathers, and leading citizen of Philadelphia.

6. Originally the delegates were only going to fix the Articles of Confederation. They ended up creating a whole new constitution. The work they were able to accomplish, became known as “The Miracle at Philadelphia”. It truly was!!!

7. James Madison A crucial delegate to the Constitutional Convention

8. Madison – Delegate from Virginia Read and studied before the convention. Read and studied before the convention. Waited eagerly for delegates to arrive. Waited eagerly for delegates to arrive. Took a seat close to the front so he could see all of the action. Took a seat close to the front so he could see all of the action. Kept clear and concise notes of what happened. Kept clear and concise notes of what happened. Wanted an accurate record kept for future generations. Wanted an accurate record kept for future generations.

9. The Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. Site of the Constitutional Convention.

10. The Convention Begins All states except Rhode Island sent delegates. All states except Rhode Island sent delegates. Delegates wanted to keep their talks secret, so the doors and windows were closed. Delegates wanted to keep their talks secret, so the doors and windows were closed.

11. George Washington’s desk and chair. The windows and doors were shut and locked at Independence Hall.

12. Two Plans Emerge The Virginia Plan which favored the big states. The Virginia Plan which favored the big states. The New Jersey Plan which favored the smaller states.

13. The Virginia Plan Called for a strong national government with 3 branches—executive, legislative, and judicial. Called for a strong national government with 3 branches—executive, legislative, and judicial. The legislature would be divided into two houses with representatives based on population. The legislature would be divided into two houses with representatives based on population. Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had been given 1 vote no matter their size. Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had been given 1 vote no matter their size.

14. The New Jersey Plan Also called for a federal government with 3 branches—legislative, executive, and judicial. Also called for a federal government with 3 branches—legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature would have only 1 house, and every state would receive 1 vote. The legislature would have only 1 house, and every state would receive 1 vote. Small states felt they would always get out-voted if it wasn’t this way. Small states felt they would always get out-voted if it wasn’t this way.

15. The Virginia Plan Branches Three - legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature was more powerful, as it chose people to serve in the executive and judicial branches. Legislature Two houses (bicameral). The House of Representatives was elected by the people and the Senate was elected by the state legislatures. Both were represented proportionally. Other Powers The legislature could regulate interstate trade, strike down laws deemed unconstitutional and use armed forces to enforce laws. The New Jersey Plan Branches Three - legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature appoints people to serve in the executive branch, and the executive branch selects the justices of the Supreme Court. Legislature One house (unicameral). States would be represented equally, so all states had the same power. Other Powers The national government could levy taxes and import duties, regulate trade, and state laws would be subordinate to laws passed by the national legislature

16. There is a great debate between the delegates of both large and small states. Large states argue that because they have more people, they should have more representation. Smaller states respond by saying their interests will never be listened to. Roger Sherman of Connecticut comes up with a compromise.

17. Although not popular with all delegates, the Great Compromise may have saved the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

18. The Great Compromise Have the 3 Branches of Government. Have the 3 Branches of Government. Divide the legislative branch in two. Divide the legislative branch in two. The lower house will be called the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and will be based on population. The lower house will be called the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and will be based on population. The upper house will be called the SENATE, and all states will receive two votes. The upper house will be called the SENATE, and all states will receive two votes.

19. The delegates narrowly approved the Great Compromise. Next they dealt with the 3/5 COMPROMISE. It was agreed that 3/5 of slaves in any state could be counted for taxation and representation. The slave trade was also allowed to continue.

20. Other issues were discussed, like the length of a presidential term and how to organize the court system. Not all were happy with the document, and some left the convention, vowing to defeat the Constitution. On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was ready. One by one, the remaining delegates came forward to sign the document.