1. How do you think they solved some of their arguments?
It’s 1787, and some of our founders are hanging out at a tavern the night before the Constitutional Convention. Use our notes to answer these questions…
What are some changes they want to make to the Articles of Confederation?
What are some potential arguments they might get into when creating a new government?
How do you think they solved some of their arguments?

2.
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3. Each state has 1 vote in Congress, regardless of size
Congress no power to tax
No executive branch
No national court system
Amendments required a unanimous vote
States printed their own currency

4. Revolutionary “regulators” rebel over owed back pay
Local militia raised to put down rebellion
Shows that Articles are too weak and a new government is needed

5. Meets in 1787
Decides to create a new government rather than fix Articles

6. I’m Ben Franklin from PA – I say states must hold more power!
I’m Alexander Hamilton. I’m from NY and argued for a strong national government.
Hi! I am George Washington! I led the convention as president but kept quiet.
I’m James Madison from VA. I am “the father of the Constitution” because I wrote most of it.
I’m Ben Franklin from PA – I say states must hold more power!
I’m George Mason – we must not forget a Bill of Rights!
I’m Roger Sherman of CT. I think small states should not be overlooked!

7. The NJ Plan The Virginia Plan
Based representation in Congress on each state’s population.
Favored by large states because it gave them more power.
The NJ Plan
Representation in Congress is equal for all states.
Favored by small states because it gave them more power.

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10. Great Compromise
Solves debate between large and small states
Senate – 2 per state
House of Representatives - based on population
3/5ths Compromise
Placated the Southern states
Counts slaves as 3/5 of a person for state population

11. National Laws are the supreme law of the land
States have power to make laws but can’t contradict Federal
Limits the powers of the government to those in the Constitution

12. Avoids a powerful central government
3 equal branches
Legislative – makes laws
Executive – enforces laws
Judicial – interprets laws

13. How can the Constitution be changed?
The Constitution established a government that shared power between the national and state governments, protected the rights of states, and provided a system for orderly change through amendments to the Constitution itself.
How can the Constitution be changed?
Why is it important to share power between the National government & states?