1. The Constitutional Convention Copy the following notes.

2. The Constitutional Convention begins 1787 - Philadelphia 1787 - Philadelphia Delegates from all the states invited to a convention to improve the Articles of Confederation, which were not working Delegates from all the states invited to a convention to improve the Articles of Confederation, which were not working Only RI didn’t attend Only RI didn’t attend 55 Delegates attended 55 Delegates attended

3. Leaders of the Convention George Washington was asked to preside (lead) over the convention. James Madison kept notes of the discussions and is often called “The Father of the Constitution.” The men who wrote the Constitution are called the “Founding Fathers.” All the participants in the Convention were wealthy, white, males.

4. The Founding Fathers

5. Amendments Before any of the states would sign the Constitution, the delegates wanted a way to amend the Constitution in order for it to grow with the times and the country Before any of the states would sign the Constitution, the delegates wanted a way to amend the Constitution in order for it to grow with the times and the country

6. Signing the Constitution 39 delegates signed before leaving Philadelphia. Each state planned to have its own convention to vote on the adoption. 9 states were needed to ratify the Constitution 9 states were needed to ratify the Constitution

7. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalist Federalists: Supporters of the New Constitution Federalists: Supporters of the New Constitution George Washington George Washington Ben Franklin Ben Franklin James Madison James Madison Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton John Jay John Jay Anti Federalists: Opposed ratification of the new Constitution 1. Would take away liberties 2. Create a strong central government 3. Ignore the will of the people 4. Favor the wealthy

8. Ratification The four remaining states signed by May of 1790! Go USA!!

9. John Adams was elected the first Vice President of the U.S.