Constitutional Convention May 25, 1787 to September 17, 1787

Purpose of the Constitutional Convention The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation. It was quickly decided by the delegates to replace it. Did they have the legality to do so? Articles of Confederation

Philadelphia Delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia during the summer of They met in Indepedence Hall. On average their were about 30 delegates their every day. James Madison was the only delegate to never miss a day.

Virginia Plan Proposed by big states Lawmaking body: Bicameral (2 Houses) Elected by the people Elected by the 1st house # of Congressmen determined by state population Based on Population

New Jersey Plan Supported by smaller states Lawmaking body: Unicameral (1 House) Based on Equality Each state would have the same number of Representatives or votes

New Jersey PlanVirginia Plan 1.Favored by Small States 2.One house of Congress 3.Each state would have equal representation 4.Similar to the Articles of Confederation 1.Favored by Large States 2.Two houses of Congress 3.Representation based on population 4.Created a stronger national government 1.Plans to change the Articles of Confederation 2.Congress could regulate trade and collect taxes 3.How to decide on representation in Congress

The Great Compromise This was a combination of both plans… Lawmaking body: Bicameral Congress (2 Houses) House of Representatives Senate # of reps. would depend on populations Each state gets 2 representatives

Bicameral = 2 Houses Senate House of Representatives

How did the Constitution deal with the issue of slavery?

Slavery and the Constitution Should slaves be counted when determining how many representatives a state will have? Solution Problem 1Problem 2 Should the Constitution ban the slave trade? Solution

Slavery and the Constitution Should slaves be counted when determining how many representatives a state will have? Solution Three-Fifths Compromise. Five slaves would be equal to only three white people when counting them for representation. Problem 1Problem 2 Should the Constitution ban the international slave trade? Solution Congress could not ban the slave trade for another 20 years.

Separation of Powers ( How the Government will be organized ) Legislative ExecutiveJudicial 3 Branches House of Reps. Senate = Congress Makes Laws President Court System Carries out lawsInterpret the laws

Great Compromise creates a bicameral (2 houses) legislative branch

Signing the Constitution 39 delegates signed before leaving Philadelphia. Each state planned to have its own convention to vote on the adoption. Nine states were needed to ratify. December 7, 1787

Federalists vs. Anti Federalists... Let the Battle Begin... Federalists: Supporters of the New Constitution George Washington Ben Franklin James Madison Alexander Hamilton 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 **Wanted the gov. close to the people Thomas Paine Patrick Henry

Ratification The four remaining states signed by May of 1790! June 21, 1788 New Hampshire, the 9th state signed the constitution putting into effect the new government. There were still states that had not ratified. This threatened the outcome of the new Gov.

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