1. A New Government

2. Constitutional Convention
From May 25 to September 17, 1787, delegates at the Constitutional Convention met to revise the Articles of Confederation. It became clear very quickly that a new constitution would have to be made.

4. Federalism
Powers would be shared between the state and central government

5. Separation of Powers
Create 3 branches of government and each branch would have its own powers

6. Checks and Balances
Some powers would overlap to make sure one branch did not become to powerful

7. Government Set Up 3 Branches of government created
Executive Branch – president – enforce/execute laws
Legislative Branch – Congress- make laws
Judicial Branch – Supreme Court – interpret/judge laws

8. Representation Equal representation and equal voting power
New Jersey Plan
(small states)
Virginia Plan
(big states)
Equal representation and equal voting power
Base representation on population and each representative gets a vote

9. House of Representatives
Great Compromise
Senate
House of Representatives
Each state
gets 2 Representatives
Representation based on population

10. Counting Slaves? Property vs People
3/5 Compromise – count slaves as 3/5 of a person for representation

11. Slavery Slave Trade – continue for at least 20 more years
Slavery – nothing done

12. Ratification Federalists Supported the Constitution
Typically the elite – older men
Write Federalists Papers– illustrate the need for a strong national government

13. Ratification Anti-Federalists
Only support Constitution if add a Bill of Rights
Thought the new government was too strong
Many were farmers

14. Ratified Ratified by 9 of 13 states to go into effect
NC was one of the last to ratify document because feared it was too strong
Do add a Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments to Constitution protecting the rights of individuals and the states