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?
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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
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
Meets in 1787 Decides to create a new government rather than fix Articles
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!
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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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
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 lukerosa@gmail.com
Avoids a powerful central government 3 equal branches Legislative – makes laws Executive – enforces laws Judicial – interprets laws
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. lukerosa@gmail.com How can the Constitution be changed? Why is it important to share power between the National government & states?