1. How did the Philadelphia Convention become the Constitutional Convention?

2. Why was the Philadelphia meeting called? 55 delegates meet to revise & strengthen the Articles of Confederation Problem → Articles are difficult to change! Edmund Randolph (Virginia) → let’s ditch the Articles & write a whole new system of gov’t Delegates agree!

3. Virginia Plan Create a two house legislature In both houses, representation would be determined by population (more population = more representatives) This way, the states who pay the most taxes would have the most say in the gov’t

4. Reaction to the Virginia Plan Small states realize that would lose their voice in the new gov’t Threaten to leave the convention!

5. New Jersey Plan William Paterson introduces alternate plan 1 house legislature with each state having an equal vote, regardless of size!

6. Reaction to the New Jersey Plan Large states object, since they will be paying most of the taxes! Time for a compromise !

7. The Great Compromise Two house legislature created Lower house (House of Representatives) representation based on population → satisfies the large states Upper house (Senate) equal representation regardless of size; 2 senators per state→ satisfies the small states SOLVES THE PROBLEM OF HOW POWER SHOULD BE DIVIDED BETWEEN LARGE AND SMALL STATES!

8. What about slaves? South wants slaves counted as people for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives. How would the North have felt about this?

9. 3/5ths Compromise Just copy down lower box Another compromise forbid Congress from interfering with slave importation for 20 years – 1808. Problem solved????

10. After 17 weeks, the Constitution is set. Will it be ratified (approved)?