Constitutional Convention Created by Mrs. Ellie Reich & Mr. Aaron Yonke Bay Port High School, Green Bay, WI

Causes States began to create stronger constitutions featuring: – Strong executives, bicameral legislatures and strong judicial systems Shay’s Rebellion…why? Annapolis Convention (1786) displayed lack of unity among 13 states

Annapolis Convention Goal was to address ways to improve trade between 13 states Only 5 of 13 states participated Sent a report to the Congress to call a meeting of all 13 states to meet in Philadelphia to big picture

Shays’ Rebellion Review, look back at story map – “We just fought G.B. to get rid of these problems” Weak response from national govt. due to the A of C

The Delegates 55 delegates from 12 states (RI refused to send any, wanted to keep A of C) 8 signed the D of I, 7 were state governors, 33 lawyers, 6 planters and 3 doctors 1/3 were Rev. war vets Oldest member was Ben Franklin (81)

When and Where Delegates met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA. Preliminary meetings began May 14, 1787 and concluded with the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787

Convention Rules Voting was done by state, with each state receiving one vote A simple majority was needed to pass any resolution

Goals Address lack of unity between states – Shays’ and Annapolis Wanted to “tweak” Articles – Make National govt. stronger Problems – States had different opinions/beliefs – Need to Compromise

Timeline of Events May 29, 1787 Gov. Ed Randolph of VA proposes the VA plan June, 14, 1787 William Paterson of NJ proposes the NJ Plan July 2, 1787 Committee of 11 created to devise a compromise

July 16, 1787 Conn (Great) Compromise adopted by the convention Sept 17, 1787 Constitution is completed and signed by 39 delegates Sept 27, 1787 Constitution submitted to states for Ratification

Virginia Plan Authored by James Madison Strong central govt. – Power to enforce laws and veto state laws Bicameral legislature – Lower house elected by the people – Upper House elected by lower house – # of representatives based on state’s pop. And amount of $ paid to national govt. – Given power to use force to compel states to follow national laws

Virginia Plan Executive – Chosen by legislature and ineligible for re-election Judicial – Chosen by the legislature

New Jersey Plan Authored by William Paterson Moderate central govt. – Supremacy Clause would act as a check but basic structure of the Confederation would remain Unicameral Legislature – Strengthen powers to make laws, levy taxes and impose trade – Laws of Congress would be “Supreme Law of the land” – Equal voting for each state would remain

New Jersey Plan Executive – Dual executive would be chosen by the legislature Judicial – Supreme Court would be appointed by the executive

VA vs NJ Plan What are some major differences between each plan? Which plan would large states favor? WHY? Which plan would small states favor? WHY

Connecticut (Great Compromise) Purpose was to offer a compromise between the VA and NJ plans Congress to be Bicameral (VA Plan) – Lower house would be elected by popular vote and based on state’s pop (House of Rep) – Upper House would be comprised of two representatives from each state (Senate) – All spending Bills would originate in lower house Executive would be single person chosen by Electoral College

Other Compromises Electoral College – Each will appoint a number of electors based on its total # of national representatives Presidential Term and Re-election – President will serve 4 year term, no mention of term limits (left to history to decide) – In event that no candidate receives majority of electoral vote, election goes to House of Rep.

Other Compromises 3/5 compromise – For taxation and representation purposes each slave will count as 3/5 of a person Commerce Compromise – Fed. Govt. given right to regulate commerce. Fed. Govt. can’t tax exports and states can’t tax imports from other states or foreign nations Slave trade compromise – Southern states agree to commerce compromise, in return there will be no action on slavery for 20 years

Ratification of Constitution Debate over ratification led to fight between Federalists (supporters) and Anti-Federalists (opposition) What did each side claim? Would need 9 of 13 states to ratify to go into effect – Del. First to ratify, NH the ninth Constitution goes into effect March 4, 1789