1. LESSON 9: ORGANIZING THE CONVENTION

2. Lesson objectives
Describe the organizing phase of the Philadelphia Convention
Rules and agendas for effective civil discussion
Take and defend positions on determining what interest should be represented in a constitutional convention
Advantages and disadvantages of secrecy in governmental deliberation

3. Highly regarded 55 Delegates attend the Convention – Framers
Appointed by legislatures: 2 – New Hampshire 8 – Pennsylvania
Various ages 26-81
Various economic backgrounds
Prominent in state; some played important roles in the revolution
Respected group: French observer –
“[Never before]… “even in Europe”… [had their been]... “an assembly more respectable for talents, knowledge, disinterestedness and patriotism.”
Jefferson wrote to Adams the convention was, “as assembly of demi-gods”

4. Washington Most respected and honored man in the country
Led Revolutionary forces in the Revolutionary War
Convinced the US needed a strong national government
Initially did not want to attend
Did not want the perception that he was not in support of a republican form of government
Elected as president of the convention
Did not actively take part in debates
His presence and the assumption of presidency were essential to the success of the convention

5. James Madison Great Influence
Studied ancient and modern political theory
36 in Philadelphia
Commitment to free exercise of religion
Help frame the Virginia State Constitution
Took outstanding notes throughout the convention

6. Ben franklin 81 at the time of the convention
Near the end needed assistance to sign
Internationally respected
Supported a strong national government
Was out voted by state delegation
Left the convention
Signed the Constitution

7. Others James Wilson – Penn- office of President
Gouverneur [sic] Morris – Penn-principal role in helping draft the Constitution
Edmund Randolph – Virg Gov.- officially headed that state’s delegation and introduced the Virg Plan. Refused to sign the Constitution – departed from Republican Gov.
Roger Sherman – Instrumental in forging the Connecticut Compromise – Federalism

8. Missing? Jefferson – US Minister to France
Adams – Principal write of Mass. Constitution – US Ambassador to Great Britain
Henry –Distrust of proceedings
Hancock -- Poor health
Samuel Adams -- opposed the concept of the convention
Richard Henry Lee -- lack of a bill of rights
Delegation from Rhode Island

9. Rules
Quorum of 7 states
Delegates had to get permission to be absent if it damaged representation
Delegates had to wait to be acknowledged; others had to show respect
Could not speak twice on the same question
Committees as necessary
Decisions subject to reconsideration and change, until final plan was done
Proceedings were secret
Basis for civil discourse

10. Virginia plan Legislative, Judicial, Executive - Leg to appoint others
Bicameral legislature
Representation on population
Congress would have power to make laws states could not
Either house could propose legislation
Power to nullify laws that conflicted with the Constitution