From Revolution to Constitution

Today’s Objectives After this lesson, we will be able to… ◦Discuss the disagreements between small and large states at the Constitutional Convention ◦Explain the Great Compromise and the 3/5 Compromise

First – Let’s Review! The Articles of Confederation show that political leaders of that time felt that __________ America replaced the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution because __________ Madison argued in Federalist 10 & 51 that ______________ Madison’s wanted to protect the _____________________

Articles of Confederation (Our First National Government) Reflected two main fears of colonists ◦Fear of strong national government ◦Fear that some states would dominate others Articles established a “league of friendship” among the states ◦Each state retains sovereignty (power, authority) But, there were numerous weaknesses

Levying TaxesCongress could request not demand them from states Regulation of Tradenone Raising an armyDependent on states to contribute forces Interstate CommerceNo control of trade between states Federal courtsnone Amending document13/13 states needed Passing laws9/13 states needed SovereigntyResided with the states, each got one vote

Critical Period Weaknesses of Articles led to political and economic problems! ◦States did not support central government ◦States were in conflict with one another ◦Shay’s Rebellion Showed that to survive, the United States needed a stronger national government

Constitutional Convention (Summer 1787 – Philadelphia) 12 of 13 States (no Rhode Island) 55 Delegates make up Framers of the Constitution ◦Worked in total secrecy Originally called to revise the Articles Then decided to create a new government

Plans for the Constitution Virginia Plan Three separate branches (executive, judicial, and legislative) Bicameral legislature (house and senate) Representation based on population National government with expanded powers New Jersey Plan Unicameral Congress Equal representation of states Federal executive of more than one person

The Great Compromise Connecticut Compromise Bicameral legislature ◦Senate – Equal representation ◦House – Representation based on population

The Slave Question Should slaves be counted in figuring the populations of states? Three-Fifths Compromise Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation, but states also paid 3/5 of taxes Congress could not interfere with slave trade until 1808

Constitution Information Written in 1787 Took effect in 1789 ◦Took a little while because of arguments between Federalists and Anti-Federalists ◦Anti-Federalists worried that a strong government would hinder personal rights ◦Wanted a Bill of Rights Becomes “Supreme Law of the Land” Lays out basic framework and procedures for our country Less than 7,000 words, but able to guide the country through two centuries

Levying TaxesCongress could levy on individuals Regulation of TradeYes Raising an armyyes Interstate Commerceyes Federal courtsyes Amending document2/3 of both houses of Congress plus ¾ of state legislatures Passing laws50% + 1 of both houses plus Pres. approval SovereigntyConst. supreme law of the land