1. Constitutional Convention
Members
Principles
Agreements and compromises

2. Members 55 delegates White Males
Statesmen, lawyers, planters. bankers, businessmen
Most under age 50

3. Absent John Adams- ambassador to England
Thomas Jefferson- ambassador to France
Patrick Henry- “smelled a rat”
Sam Adams- not chosen by state to be part of the delegation

4. Famous Members Alexander Hamilton- leader of strong government
George Washington- chairman of the convention
James Madison- ‘father of the Constitution’
Benjamin Franklin- oldest member at 81 was also at the 2nd Continental Congress

5. Principles of the Constitution
Checks and Balances- A political system in which branches of government have some authority over the actions of the other branches
Limited Government- the idea that government is not all powerful, but can only do what the people allow it to.

6. Principles of the Constitution
Federalism- the division of power between a central government and states
National level
State level
Local level

7. Principles of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty- the people rule. The power of the government is based on the consent of the governed.
Separation of powers- the division of the government into three separate branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

8. Agreements and Compromises
All agreed that rights to property should be protected.
Ben Franklin proposed universal suffrage for all males, but most wanted only those with land to vote
Most delegates favored a bicameral legislature

9. Agreements and Compromises
Virginia Plan- favored by large states
Proposed by James Randolph
Written by James Madison
Endorsed by Alexander Hamilton
government with a bicameral legislature
Large house elected by popular vote
Smaller house chosen by lager house members from nominees chosen by state legislatures
Number of Representatives based on wealth

10. Agreements and Compromises
New Jersey Plan- favored by small states
Proposed by William Paterson
Unicameral house
Each state one vote
Did not require a strong central government

11. The Great Compromise Aka: Connecticut Compromise
Bicameral house- benefit all states
One house called Senate
Members chosen by the state legislatures
Each state gets one vote
One house called House of Representatives
Members chosen by population
Number of members based on population

12. Agreements and Compromises
Three-fifths clause
favors Southern states
All slaves would be counted in the census for representation in the House as 3/5ths

13. Agreements and Compromises
Electoral College
People chosen by the state legislatures
Vote for president and vice-president
Supposed to reflect the will of the people

14. Agreements and Compromises
Slave and trade compromise
Benefits both North and South
No taxes on exports
No interference with the slave trade for 20 years

15. Agreements and Compromises
Amendment compromise
2/3 vote of each house of Congress and ratified by ¾ of the state legislatures
2/3 vote of both houses and ratified by state conventions of ¾ of the states (used 21st amendment)

16. Agreements and Compromises
Proposed by a national constitutional convention requested by 2/3 state legislatures and ratified by ¾ state legislatures (never used)
Proposed by the national constitutional convention and ratified by ¾ of the specially formed state conventions

17. Agreements and Compromises
Informal Amendments- broad language allows for interpretation as things and events change our country
Legislature- Commerce clause (art. 1 sec. 8)
Legislation dealing with technology not even thought of when the Constitution was written.

18. Agreements and Compromises
Executive –
Presidents make executive agreements with other countries.
Not a delegated power
Do not have to be ratified by the Senate

19. Agreements and Compromises
Judicial-
Judicial review- the power of the court to interpret the Constitution
Judicial power to determine if a law is unconstitutional

20. Criticism of Constitution
Does not protect the rights of the individual
Does not protect states rights
Gives a central authority too much power

21. Differences Between Articles and Constitution…
Passing Legislation
Constitution – simple majority – easier to get things done
A of C – two-thirds
Executive
Constitution – a single President – not a lot of power at first (would get stronger)
A of C – No executive
Power of the Federal Government
Constitution – potentially strong
A of C – very weak

22. Differences Between Articles and Constitution…
Amendment process
Constitution – 2/3 of both houses of Congress + ¾ of State conventions
A of C – virtually impossible - need a unanimous vote
Constitution
The Constitution is a less democratic document
Takes power away from common voters
More aristocratic
Creates a stronger federal government – this is a danger in the eyes of many

23. Federalists –vs- Anti-Federalists
Supported Constitution
Most of the distinguished people in the country
George Washington, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay
Well-funded, well-organized, politically experienced
Wanted a strong federal government
Wanted a strong executive
Wanted a government that was respected abroad and at home
put down insurrections
Act decisively – even if done by sacrificing some rights

24. Federalists –vs- Anti-Federalists
Opposed Constitution
More democratic
States rights
Wanted strong local government, not fed government
Small farmers, small business people, artisans.
Felt they didn’t need a strong government to protect their interests
Less funded, less educated, less organized

25. Ratification
Constitution was drafted and signed by 39 delegates on Sept 17, 1787
Some states were very pro-constitution and they ratified easily. Dec 1787-Jan 1788
Delaware
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Georgia
Connecticut
Other states followed between Feb – Jun in 1788
Massachusetts
Maryland
S Carolina
New Hampshire
Final group of four NY
N Carolina
Rhode Island
Virginia
Why was 9 of 13 states, as Article VII stated was required, insufficient?

26. Federalist Papers 85 pamphlets & essays supporting the Constitution
Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, & John Jay
Cited in Constitutional interpretation debates
Lens into the ideas of the founding fathers
Large government would provide stability and security
Federalist #10 – How to create a strong government while preserving freedom
Federalist #51 – Separation of powers and checks and balances

27. Bill of Rights Anti-federalists refused to sign the Constitution
Did not protect the people against the central government
Needed a statement of individual freedoms
Required to prevent the country from falling into tyranny
Anti-federalists tried to influence state ratification processes by writing pamphlets and newspaper articles
They would often take on pseudonyms of the Roman Republic, like Brutus
Some argued that the federal government would degenerate into a tyrannical entity
Federal Bill of Rights - #1 priority of the new Congress