1. IV. Constitutional Convention

2. Objective: To understand the importance of the Constitutional Convention in shaping Democracy in the United States. Review: 1.What were several weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? 2. What is a Unicameral Legislature? 3. Where is power located in a Confederation?

4. Primary Source – Alexander Hamilton – Federalist Papers #65 “If mankind were to resolve to agree in no institution of government, until every part of it had been adjusted to the most exact standard of perfection, society would soon become a general scene of anarchy, and the world a desert.”

5. What did Hamilton mean?

6. A. New Constitution May 1787 – Group of delegates met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles Constitutional Convention – Created an entirely new government to replace the Articles One of the most important events in world history because of the model it establishes Going from no written constitutions in the world to many Constitution created is the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world

7. Meeting of the Constitutional Convention

9. B. Organization 55 Delegates – Movers and shakers of the day from all states except Rhode Island – “Land of the otherwise minded” George Washington – Chosen to preside over the convention – “The indispensable man” Spoke little but his presence helped make the convention successful Convention was held in secret to allow the free exchange of ideas – Nailed windows shut

11. C. Father of the Constitution No stenographer was hired James Madison – Kept a daily journal of the events Major source of information on the events of the convention - by no means complete