1. Road to the Constitution
Ch. 3 Sec. 1
Civics
Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik

2. The Constitutional Convention
Delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia on May 25, 1787
Assembled to revise the Articles
of Confederation
They decide instead to write a new document
Delegates were all well educated and had experience in government
Washington presides over the meeting

3. Key Decisions Each state got one vote
Delegates from at least 7 states had to be present
Decisions made by majority rule
Work of the convention was to be kept secret

4. Creating and Ratifying the Constitution
Chapter 3 Section 2
Creating and Ratifying the Constitution

5. Two Plans of Government
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Large State Plan
Included a President, courts and a bicameral legislature with representation based on population
Small State Plan
Similar to Articles with a unicameral legislature with equal representation

6. Constitutional Compromises
Great Compromise – bicameral Congress with equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House
Three-Fifths Compromise – an enslaved person counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation and taxes

7. The Electoral College
The compromise reached about how to choose the President
Electors would be chosen in each state and then they would elect the President
We still use this system today to elect the President and Vice President

8. Ratification of the Constitution
Anti-Federalists – Opposed the Constitution because they felt it gave too much power to the national government and lacked a bill of rights
Federalists – Supported the Constitution and believed that a strong national government was needed
Constitution is adopted after Federalist agree to add a bill of rights