1. ?
Constitutional Convention
The

2. You have arrived in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787
You have arrived in Philadelphia in the summer of You’ve been sent by your state to meet with other delegates in order to discuss how to improve the Articles of Confederation. From talking with other in-the-know folks you know that you are really meeting to throw out the Articles and create a new governing document for the nation. You are here to create a Constitution that will ensure this new nation can survive. Let’s go inside.

3. New Hampshire Virginia New York New Jersey Connecticut South Carolina
Georgia
Massachusetts
North Carolina
Please find your seat along with the other delegates from your state.
Delaware
Maryland
Pennsylvania

4. As our first order of business we have chosen someone to serve as the president of this convention. There really was only one choice. The man who so greatly helped us earn our freedom will now be the man who helps us hold it together. Would the great son of Virginia, Mr. George Washington please rise and take his place at the podium? [put on colonial wig]

5. “I promise not to divulge to the public what is discussed at this convention.”
Some delegates have expressed concerns about being able to speak their minds freely at the convention. Therefore, we will now take a vow of secrecy and secure the Assembly Room.
A guard has been posted at the door to ensure secrecy. We will now close the door and shut the windows and curtains.

6. Today, you, the delegates of the Constitutional Convention, are working to resolve this issue: How should states be represented in the new government?

7. How should states be represented in the new government?
Proposal A The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend on the size of the state’s population.
Proposal B Each state will have an equal number of representatives in Congress, regardless of the state’s size.
Proposal C The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend partially on the wealth of the citizens of the state.
(after proposals discussed) Read your role card to learn about your delegate’s views on the issue of how states should be represented in the new government. You will defend this view and try to convince other delegates to join your side during the Constitutional Convention. You must accurately portray your delegate’s view. If your proposal is chosen, you will receive 10 extra credit points. So represent your delegate ‘s view faithfully!

8. Proposal A Proposal B Proposal C
Delegates will now prepare for the debate. Go to the corner of the room where other delegates who agree with your proposal are meeting. If you agree with more than one proposal, choose one corner. You have five minutes to mingle with like-minded delegates in your corner to quickly discuss ways to defend your proposal. Time is up. Return to your state delegations.
Proposal B
Proposal C

9. How should states be represented in the new government?
Proposal A The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend on the size of the state’s population.
Proposal B Each state will have an equal number of representatives in Congress, regardless of the state’s size.
Proposal C The number of representatives a state sends to Congress will depend partially on the wealth of the citizens of the state.
Each state will now choose a proposal. Each state delegation will get to cast one vote. ALL of the delegates in each group must agree on a proposal or the delegation will not be allowed to cast its vote. In your state’s delegation, decide which proposal you will support during the debate and prepare arguments in favor of it. Remember to accurately represent your delegate’s view on the issue.

10. How should states be represented in the new government?
Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals.
Step 2 The nomination is seconded by another state.
Step 3 The nomination is discussed and debated for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4 The nomination is voted upon. In order to pass, the vote must be unanimous.
Step 5 If the proposal does not pass, repeat the process with a new nomination.
It is time to make a decision on how states should be represented in the new government! Follow the steps shown here for each proposal.
Votes should be:
Proposal A: Proposal B: Proposal C: No vote
PA Conn Connecticut
VA Del Del
NH GA
NJ Penn MD MA NY NC SC

11. How should states be represented in the new government?
Step 1 One state delegation nominates one of the proposals.
Step 2 The nomination is seconded by another state.
Step 3 The nomination is discussed and debated for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4 The nomination is voted upon. In order to pass, the vote must be unanimous.
Step 5 If the proposal does not pass, repeat the process with a new nomination.
We are deadlocked! Since none of these three proposals have passed we must come up with a compromise or our nation will fail! If a compromise is not reached within 10 minutes, each student will lose 10 points. For the next few minutes, meet in your state delegations and create a compromise to propose to the convention. Make sure your compromise will satisfy all the states.
Let us try again to make a decision on how states should be represented. There are only a few more minutes to find a compromise before everyone will lose 10 points!Use the steps shown here for each proposal of a compromise.

12. As you adjourn for the day you reflect back on how much you have accomplished. The curtains are raised and you are surprised to find the moon has risen high in the sky. Night has fallen. It is time to get some rest. There are more decisions to be made tomorrow. This is only the beginning!