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Drafting the US Constitution. Drafting the Constitution Between 1781 and 1787 it became clear that the Articles of Confederation were not working Between.

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Presentation on theme: "Drafting the US Constitution. Drafting the Constitution Between 1781 and 1787 it became clear that the Articles of Confederation were not working Between."— Presentation transcript:

1 Drafting the US Constitution

2 Drafting the Constitution Between 1781 and 1787 it became clear that the Articles of Confederation were not working Between 1781 and 1787 it became clear that the Articles of Confederation were not working –Too many weaknesses –Shays’s Rebellion- Farmers in Western MA rebelled due to high taxation and too much debt on their farms

3 Drafting the Constitution May 1787- Delegates from 12 states (no Rhode Island) meet to “revise” the Articles of Confederation May 1787- Delegates from 12 states (no Rhode Island) meet to “revise” the Articles of Confederation –George Washington elected presiding officer –Other attendees include: Ben Franklin, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Roger Sherman *Thomas Jefferson does not attend the Constitutional Convention

4 Key Conflicts of the Convention VS. Large States –Congress should be composed of 2 houses –votes should be assigned according to population of the state –State governments should be weaker than the federal government Small States Small States –Congress should be composed of 1 house –Each state should have 1 vote –State governments should remain stronger than the federal government Solution? Compromise! The Great Compromise Proposed by Roger Sherman from CT 2 house Congress Senate- equal representation for each state House of Representatives- representation determined by state population

5 Key Conflicts at the Convention North North –Slaves should not be counted when deciding the number of delegates –Slaves should be counted when levying taxes South South –Slaves should be counted when determining congressional representation –Slaves should not be counted when levying taxes VS. Solution? Compromise! The 3/5 Compromise Every 5 slaves count as 3 “Real People” for both taxation and representation purposes

6 Other important aspects of the Constitution 7 Articles divide the government into 3 branches 7 Articles divide the government into 3 branches 1. Legislative- bicameral 2. Executive 3. Judicial The Constitution stipulates the powers and limitations of each branch of government The Constitution stipulates the powers and limitations of each branch of government

7 Other important aspects of the Constitution The Constitution establishes a “limited government” The Constitution establishes a “limited government” –The federal (national government) can do only those things written in the Constitution. Everything else is state authority.

8 Other important aspects of the Constitution Separation of Powers Separation of Powers invented to keep one branch from becoming too powerful -executive enforces laws -legislative passes laws (statutes) -judicial clarifies and establishes laws

9 Critical Thinking Questions In what ways did the new system of government fulfill the nation’s need for a stronger central government and at the same time allay its fear of a government having too much power? In what ways did the new system of government fulfill the nation’s need for a stronger central government and at the same time allay its fear of a government having too much power? What was the Great Compromise and how did it reconcile the interests of the small states with the interests of the more populous states? What was the Great Compromise and how did it reconcile the interests of the small states with the interests of the more populous states?

10 Other important aspects of the Constitution checks and balances tools used by 1 branch to keep other branches in check tools used by 1 branch to keep other branches in check 1. Executive branch has veto power 2. Legislative branch- investigation of actions, impeachment, veto override 3. Judicial Branch- judicial review Can declare laws null and void


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