1. We the People - Lesson Sixteen
What opinions did the Framers have of the Constitution? September 17, 1787
We the People - Lesson Sixteen

2. Benjamin Franklin urges acceptance of the Constitution
Didn’t agree with everything
Willing to accept Constitution because he believed national government was necessary
Didn’t think any other group of men could create a better plan of government
Praised delegates for their cooperation and for putting aside differences
Congratulated delegates for producing what he believed might be the best plan of government ever designed
Warned of harmful effects that might result if people in U.S. and foreign nations heard about delegates’ objections to Constitution
Asked delegates to consider the fact that perhaps their objections weren’t as good as they thought . . .
Encouraged all the delegates to sign the Constitution to show their support

3. George Mason’s objections to the Constitution
Famous along with Patrick Henry for support of rights of people and states
Senators not elected by people - would they represent them?
President’s power to make treaties (with Senate) - treaties = laws . . .
Allowed President and Senate to make laws without House of Representatives consent - people won’t have a voice about treaties
Too much power was given to President and the Senate
Not directly elected by people - House of Representatives powerless
Senate - power of impeachment
President - power to grant pardons for acts of treason (protecting people . . .)
Judicial branch too powerful - could overrule and destroy state courts
Poor wouldn’t be able to afford federal court
Rich would have advantage and oppress poor
Simple Majority Vote - Commercial and Trade laws
Favored eight northern states
Possible economic ruin for South
Necessary and Proper Clause
Gave Congress unlimited power
Could increase power, eliminate state legislatures, create monopolies, oppress citizens
Constitution did not contain a Bill of Rights . . .

4. Debate 7 Groups (2-3 people in each)
Mrs. C. will assign each group one of George Mason’s objections.
Take and defend the position for or against the objection. It may be supported by identifying events in American history that illustrate the objection the objection the group is studying.
Identify any constitutional checks and balances or other provisions that could be used to respond to criticisms.

5. Seatwork Center Questions
Describe Benjamin Franklin’s attitude toward the Constitution. In your opinion, which of his reasons for signing the Constitution do you think might have been most persuasive to the other delegates?
Rank in order from most important to least important the arguments of George Mason. Explain your reasons for selecting your choices.