U.S. Constitution September 17, 1787

Shay’s Rebellion

Articles of Confederation No president No courts to solve problems among the different states There was a legislature, but it didn’t have the power to tax people so it couldn’t raise money Each state had its own money

Constitutional Convention In May 1787, representatives from the states met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation The representatives quickly agreed on throwing out the Articles of Confederation. Instead, they decided they needed a new Constitution

James Madison Called the Constitutional Convention to order Known as the “Father of the U.S. Constitution”

# of reps. depends on state’s population Great Compromise A compromise between the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan Congress would have 2 houses: the Senate and House of Representatives Congress Senate Equal representation 2 senators per state House of Reps. # of reps. depends on state’s population

Constitution Created… Strong national government There are 3 branches of government The Elastic Clause allows Congress to stretch its power to make any law “necessary and proper” to carry out the laws they make Protects the rights of citizens The first 10 amendments (changes) are added to protect individual rights The 10th amendment says that any powers not given to Congress belong to the states Balances power between the states Congress will be bicameral. The House of Representatives will base representation on population and the Senate will have equal representation for each state.

Wrote the Federalist Papers to promote their ideas.

Wrote the Anti-Federalists papers to respond to the Federalists papers and spread their ideas.

Power to rule should stay close to the people so it can best respond to their needs and prevent corruption

Supported a strong national government that could make decisions for the whole nation when necessary.

The Bill of Rights is unnecessary because many rights are already included in the Constitution

Government will be free to violate any rights that are not written down and a Bill of Rights is necessary to protect individual freedoms.

Had a strict interpretation of the Constitution, powers and actions not included should not be allowed.

Had a loose interpretation of the Constitution in which powers and actions not included would be allowed.

The necessary and proper clause implies that government has unlimited power. This idea is unacceptable

The “Elastic Clause” will ensure that Congress has the proper powers it needs to carry out laws that it makes.

Questioned ratifying the Constitution because they had concerns about a strong government that could take power away from the people.

Held ratifying conventions to encourage people in their states to approve the Constitution.

What is the Preamble? The Preamble is the beginning of the Constitution The Preamble is a short statement about the purpose of the Constitution. The Preamble starts with the words “We the People” This means that the power of the government comes from the people

Legislative Branch (Article 1) Congress is the head of the legislative branch. Elected by the people. Congress includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. It is bicameral, which means it has two parts or two houses. Congress writes laws.

Executive Branch (Article 2) The President is Head of the executive branch Elected for a four-year term Commander-in-Chief of the nation’s army and navy Power to appoint ambassadors, negotiate treaties, and appoint Supreme Court Justices Enforce the nation’s laws

Judicial Branch (Article 3) A new national judiciary was created, consist of the Supreme Court and any lower courts later created by Congress. The Supreme Court could rule on cases involving either the new Constitution or laws passed by Congress. Its Justices (judges) were to be appointed for life by the President, with the approval of the Senate.

Branches of the Federal Government

Each branch has its own separate powers. No branch gets ALL the power. Branches Share Power Each branch has its own separate powers. No branch gets ALL the power. This helps the government run smoothly. A system of "checks and balances" limits the powers of each branch.

Debate Over Ratification In order for the U.S. Constitution to become the law of the land, nine states must ratify (approve) it. Once the U.S. Constitution was released and read by the American public two groups emerged.

Ratification To obtain the necessary votes for ratification, Federalists promised to add a bill of rights, which satisfied a lot of the Anti-federalists.

Ratification By the end of 1788 eleven states had voted and ratified (approved) the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution had become the new law of the land.

Bill of rights

Constitutional Principles The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights Ratify - to approve by voting Amendment - a change or addition to a motion, bill, constitution, etc.

Constitution Quiz What is the name of the first part of the Constitution? The Constitution sets up the ____________ and protects the _________ of Americans. The Constitution starts with the words “____ ___ ______” (3 words) When was the Constitution written? What powers do the states have? The Preamble is a statement about the _____ of government. How many articles does the Constitution have? How many parts of government does America have? Do we still use the Constitution today? (Yes or No) Can Ms. Burke say the Preamble without looking? (Yes or No)