1. Constitutional Convention
Constitutional Convention: Competing Plans
The Virginia Plan
The New Jersey Plan
Connecticut Plan (Great Compromise)
Addressing Slavery
Resolving the Executive Branch
Constitutional Silences
slavery, national powers, judicial review and Bill of Rights
Separation of Powers and Constitutional Checks

2. Articles of Confederation
Organization
One body with equal representation for states
No executive or judiciary
Supermajority to pass laws or admit new states
State legislatures pay taxes proportional to value of property
Powers
Negotiate international treaties Make war
Resolve disputes between states Borrow and coin money
Establish post office Appoint army officers
*States may not enter treaties or diplomatic alliances with other countries or each other and cannot enter into war

4. Competing Plans New Government National Government Power from People
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
New Government
National Government
Power from People
Bicameral & Proportional
Judiciary and Executive Selected by Congress
Strengthen the Articles
Confederation
Power from States
Unicameral & Equal
Supreme Court
Power to Tax

5. Institutional Checks Exercise
What are the primary checks on each national institution from the other two?
Which of these is the most significant limiting check? Why?
Which of these is the least significant? Why?