Constitutional Convention

Purpose of the Constitutional Convention The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation . It was quickly decided to replace it. Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation

Philadelphia 53 Delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787. 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.

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

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

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

Slavery Slavery became an issue with population. In the south, slavery made up 1/3 of the population The south wanted them to count in their population so they would have more votes. Slaves however could not vote.

3/5 Compromise They decided to count 3/5 of the total number of slaves as population. 5 blacks = 3 whites. Slaves still could not vote Large states – did not want slaves to be counted toward taxation, but did for representation Small states – did not want slaves to be counted toward representation, but did for taxation

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

Amendments Before any of the states would sign the Constitution, the delegates wanted a way to amend the Constitution in order for it to grow with the times and the country. Bill of Rights 1st Amendment 2nd Amendment 3rd Amendment

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 Go USA!! 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. The four remaining states signed by May of 1790! Go USA!!

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

The End