1. The Constitutional Convention
The Miracle of Philadelphia

2. Early Meetings
Mt. Vernon Convention (1785)- Va. & Md. meet and settle trade issues
Annapolis Convention (1786)- 5 states met to attempt to solve trade problems
Delegates include Hamilton & Madison
No settlements
Heard about Shay’s Rebellion
Hamilton calls for meeting of all 13 colonies to amend the Articles

3. The Constitutional Convention
Met in Philadelphia
Convened on May 25, 1787
Decided to hold closed meetings so delegates could speak their minds
Washington as President

4. “the world’s most civilized revolutionaries”
Jefferson called it a “gathering of demi-gods”
Mostly lawyers
All men of property
Nearly half were college graduates
Most had experience in Congress

5. A Fateful Decision
Were authorized by Congress and states to amend the Articles
Unanimous feeling the Articles were unfixable
Immediately decided to replace

6. The Father of the Constitution
James Madison authors the Virginia Plan
Edmund Randolph presents to Congress
Bicameral legislature
Rep. both houses based on population
Executive chosen by Congress
Congress could veto state laws
Rejected by small states

7. The Small States Reply William Patterson presents the New Jersey Plan
Keep current Congress
1 vote per state
Could tax and collect
Multiple executive (5)
Judiciary appointed by Congress
National laws > states

8. The Connecticut Compromise
Representation issue nearly wrecks the Convention
Franklin says a compromise is needed
Roger Sherman presents the Great Compromise
Bicameral leg.- House of Rep.-population- reps the people
Senate- equal-reps. the states
All revenue bills begin in the House

9. Presidential Compromise
Very concerned about a powerful executive branch
Assumed Washington would be the first POTUS
Compromised by indirectly electing the POTUS with the electoral college
Believed the House of Reps. would usually choose the POTUS

10. Slavery?!? Two compromises on slavery 3/5 Compromise-
slaves count as 3/5 of a person for determining representation in Congress
Slave Trade Compromise-
Congress could not interfere with the importation of slaves for 20 years

11. Trade Compromises Two Compromises on trade
Congress can tax imports but not exports
Can regulate interstate trade
commerce clause

12. Passage Signed by 39 delegates on Sept. 17, 1787
Some left or refused to sign
Had to be ratified by 9 of 12 states