1. Chapter 2 Section 1 Creating the Constitution

2. Articles of Confederation –During Revolutionary War, the need arose for a national government –Articles of Confederation were created Few powers for national government Few powers for national government Confederation Congress meant 1 state = 1 vote Confederation Congress meant 1 state = 1 vote Most important powers left to states Most important powers left to states End result: Weak national gov’t End result: Weak national gov’t

3. Constitutional Convention –People wanted an easier way to trade among states (national laws would make it easier) –National government would also be best at maintaining order –May 1787 – Convention met in Philadelphia to write a new Constitution

4. Virginia Plan –Edmund Randolph, others propose a 3- branch government –Legislature would be bicameral (2 houses) BOTH determined by state population –Big states supported the plan because they would be given big representation in legislature. –Small states didn’t support it, fearing large states would rule over all

5. New Jersey Plan –William Paterson of NJ suggested the legislature should consist of one house, with each state given one vote – much like Articles of Confederation –Virginia Plan framework won over (2 houses) but representation still was being debated over

6. The Great Compromise –2 House legislature is formed –Senate – 2 seats per state, regardless of population – House of Representatives: Number based on state’s population

7. Question over Slavery –House of Representatives: Based on population – but who will be counted? –Southerners wanted slaves counted in population – to increase representation in House – Northerners argue against this idea –Delegates reach Three-Fifths Compromise: 3/5 of slave population counted for setting direct taxes and to determine representation.