1. Constitutional Convention

2. Purpose of the Constitutional Convention
The goal was to revise the Articles of Confederation . It was quickly decided to replace it.
Articles of Confederation
Articles of Confederation

3. Philadelphia
53 Delegates met in absolute secrecy in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787.
They met in Indepedence Hall.
On average their were about 30 delegates their every day.
James Madison was the only delegate to never miss a day.

4. # of Congressmen determined by state population
Virginia Plan
Proposed by big states – Edmund Randolph
Lawmaking body:
Bicameral (2 Houses)
Based on Population
Elected by the 1st house
Elected by the people
# of Congressmen determined by state population

5. Supported by smaller states – William Patterson
New Jersey Plan
Supported by smaller states – William Patterson
Lawmaking body:
Unicameral (1 House)
Each state would have the same number of Representatives or votes
Based on Equality

6. The Great Compromise
Roger Sherman -This was a combination of both plans…
Lawmaking body:
Bicameral Congress (2 Houses)
Senate
House of Representatives
Each state gets 2 representatives
# of reps. would depend on populations

7. Slavery
Slavery became an issue with population. In the south, slavery made up 1/3 of the population
The south wanted them to count in their population so they would have more votes. Slaves however could not vote.

8. 3/5 Compromise
They decided to count 3/5 of the total number of slaves as population.
5 blacks = 3 whites.
Slaves still could not vote
Large states – did not want slaves to be counted toward taxation, but did for representation
Small states – did not want slaves to be counted toward representation, but did for taxation

9. ( How the Government will be organized )
Separation of Powers
( How the Government will be organized )
3 Branches
Executive
Judicial
Legislative
Court System
President
House of Reps.
Senate =
Congress Makes Laws
Carries out laws
Interpret the laws

10. Amendments
Before any of the states would sign the Constitution, the delegates wanted a way to amend the Constitution in order for it to grow with the times and the country.
Bill of Rights
1st Amendment
2nd Amendment
3rd Amendment

11. Signing the Constitution
39 delegates signed
before leaving
Philadelphia. Each
state planned to have
its own convention to
vote on the adoption.
Nine states were needed to ratify.
December 7, 1787

12. Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
... Let the Battle Begin...
Federalists: Supporters of the New Constitution
George Washington
Ben Franklin
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
Anti Federalists: Opposed ratification of the new Constitution
1. Would take away liberties
2. Create a strong central government
3. Ignore the will of the people
4. Favor the wealthy
**Wanted the gov. close to the people
Thomas Paine
Patrick Henry

13. Ratification Go USA!! June 21, 1788
New Hampshire, the 9th state signed the constitution putting into effect the new government.
There were still states that had not ratified. This threatened the outcome of the new Gov.
The four remaining states signed by May of 1790!
Go USA!!

14. George Washington was elected the first President of the U.S.
John Adams was elected the first Vice President of the U.S.

15. The End