1. Constitutional Convention Objective: Explain how leaders reshaped the government

2. Issues Union of 13 individual states similar to old colonial governments No strong national government

3. Note Slide – delete from power point September, 1786 convention (meeting) called for in Philadelphia to discuss trade issues Washington agrees to attend after Shays Rebellion

4. Convention Begins May, 1787 – Philadelphia 55 delegates Native Americans, African Americans, and women not represented; not considered part of the political process Washington and Franklin attend – guarantee public trust Does not amend (revise) Articles – creates a new constitution

5. Organization Washington chosen to lead the meetings Each state has 1 vote on all questions Decisions based on majority vote of states present Sessions not open to the public Watch Charlie Brown Video

6. Foldable Create a foldable to explain each of the following plans: Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Great Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise

7. Slave Trade Congress will not interfere in the slave trade until 1808 (north had already banned the slave trade; south considered it central to their economy)

8. Bill of Rights Some worry without a bill of rights (listing of people’s rights and freedoms), national government may abuse its power George Mason, Virginia, proposed Bill of Rights to be included in the Constitution Idea is defeated based on belief that the Constitution carefully defined powers and provided enough protection of individual rights

9. Approving the Constitution September 17, 1787 – delegates assemble to sign Constitution; 3 refused because it did not have a Bill of Rights Approved draft sent to the states for their approval Needed 9 out of the 13 states to approve to go into effect

10. Summary What is the difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan concerning the legislature? On what key issues did delegates have to compromise in order to create a Constitution that most states would accept? What is a Bill of Rights? Activity Suggestions: illustrate the Constitutional Convention; compare contrast the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan; write an announcement informing a state about the Great Compromise; illustrate the Three-Fifths Compromise