1. Constitutional Convention

2. What events and economic conditions occurred after the Revolutionary War?
Economic depression
No states south of Pennsylvania abolished slavery
Shay’s Rebellion
Weak Articles of Confederation

3. Think/Pair/Share
What was Shay’s Rebellion?

4. Shay’s Rebellion Started in 1786
Hard taxes to pay off the States war debt made Massachusetts farmers rebel.
Led by Daniel Shay
Created panic
This made many people feel that a strong government was needed to control such violent acts.

5. Think/Pair/Share
Could our new federal government stop rebellions under the Articles of Confederation? Why or Why not?

6. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
The national government could not force the states to obey its laws.
It did not have the power to tax.
It did not have the power to enforce laws.
Congress lacked strong and steady leadership
There was no national army or navy
There was no system of national courts
Each state could issue its own paper money
Each state could put tariffs on trade between states.

7. The Constitutional Convention
Where?
53 delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia in Independence hall
30 delegates attended every day
When?
Summer of 1787
The Purpose?
The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation
It was quickly decided to replace it

8. Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan
Small States
Large States

11. Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan
Supported by big states
Bicameral (2 houses)
1-elected by people, 2-elected by first house
# of congress determined by population
New Jersey
Supported by small states
Unicameral (1 house)
Based on equality
Each state same # of Representatives
The Great Compromise
Bicameral (2 house)
House of Representatives determined by population
Senate (each state has 2)

12. 3/5 Compromise South wanted slaves to count in population
Decided to count 3/5 total number of slaves as population
5 blacks=3 whites for the state population (but slaves still couldn’t vote)

13. Think/Pair/Share
With a neighbor compare and contrast the Virginia Plan vs. the New Jersey Plan.

14. Think/Pair/Share
Out of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan what was created that combined a bit of both? Discuss what it entailed.

15. Think/Pair/Share
What was the 3/5 Compromise?

16. Two sides make the Great Compromise