1. Section 2: Drafting the Constitution
Chapter 5
Section 2: Drafting the Constitution

2. Nationalists Strengthen the Government
Shay’s Rebellion – Farmers, led by Daniel Shays, fought against the high tax placed on farmers
A stronger government had to be put into place to avoid abuse of power (example: too high of a tax)
The problem was the states did not want the federal government to have too much control over the states

3. Call for Convention States were arguing over trade:
Taxes
Navigation rights
James Madison and Alexander Hamilton called a meeting with state delegates (leaders) to discuss issues of trade within states
Only 5 states came at first, but 12 went to the meeting after hearing about Shay’s Rebellion

4. Convention Highlights
All states met, except Rhode Island
Very hot, but windows were closed to keep the meeting confidential
Outstanding leaders and Americans were there
All voted to make George Washington the presiding officer

5. Conflict Leads to Compromise
Agreed the central government needs to be strengthened
Decided to create a new form of government instead of revising the Articles of Confederation

6. Big States Versus Small States
Wanted representation to be fair for larger states
James Madison’s Virginia Plan:
Two-house legislature
Membership based on state’s population
Voters elect members to lower house
Elected member elect upper house members

7. Big States Versus Small States continued
Virginia Plan Reactions:
Small states said NO to giving more power to larger states with larger populations
Small states supported William Paterson’s New Jersey Plan:
One house
Each state had an equal vote

8. Big States Versus Small States continued
Roger Sherman suggested the Great Compromise:
2 house Congress for both the small and big states
Each state will have equal representation in the upper house, “more powerful house”, Senate
House of Representatives (lower house) may have more than on representative for each state, depending on its size
Citizens chose House representatives
House representatives chose Senate representatives

9. Big States Versus Small States continued
The Great Compromise results:
Favored this government
Allowed voters to choose representatives
States rights are protected, no matter what the size

10. Slavery-Related Issues
Should slaves be counted as people?
Southern states wanted slaves to count because they had many slaves
Northern states disagreed
Three-Fifths Compromise:
Three-fifths of the state’s slaves will count
Congress can control trade except for slave trade

11. Creating a New Government
Has to work on dividing power between states and national government
Separated the national government’s power into 3 branches (levels or parts)

12. Division of Powers
Federalism – divided power between the national government and the state governments
In the Constitution, national government is called delegated/enumerated powers
Ex: control foreign affairs, providing national defense, controlling state trade, making money
State power is called reserved powers
Ex: providing and supervising education, creating marriage laws, regulating trade in a state
Both governments can tax, borrow money, and make courts.

13. Separation of Powers Created 3 branches of government:
Legislative branch – makes laws
Executive branch – carry out laws (make sure laws are followed)
Judicial branch – interpret the law (decide if a person broke a law and give punishment)
Checks and balances – President has a lot of power, but the Senate must approve the president’s decisions

14. Separation of Powers continued
Voting was an issue
Communication about voting is hard
Not all citizens have enough knowledge to vote
Electoral college:
each state choose a number of electors equal to the number of representatives in Congress
This group will vote for the candidates

15. Creating the Constitution
Was created, but can be amended (changed) with amendments as needed
Was sent to Congress for the states approval