1. The Constitution & Compromise

2. When is it good to compromise?
We make compromises all the time
Write one paragraph (5 sentences) that answers the following questions
What is an example of a compromise you have made?
Were you happy with how this compromise turned out?
The delegates (representatives) who wrote the Constitution made compromises too.
(2:40)

3. Compromise example
You really want to play sports after school all year long
You are worried you will not have enough time for your schoolwork
Compromise – you decide to play a sport during part of the year only

4. Before the Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Not a governing document
Articles of Confederation
Weak national government
For example, national government
could not tax people
More state power

5. Constitution Background
Convention originally met to revise the Articles of Confederation
12 states participated (not Rhode Island)
Led by Federalists
Federalists want a stronger national (federal) government
Opposed by Anti-Federalists
Anti-Federalists want a weaker national (federal) government
The Convention met in Independence Hall (in Philadelphia)

6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihNc_tdGbk (4 mins)
The Constitution
The delegates wound up writing a new document, called the Constitution…

7. State Representation Congress
COMPROMISES
State Representation
Congress
In America, the people vote for representatives
These representatives make decisions for the people
instead of everyone voting for everything
How should America’s system of representatives work?

8. State Representation Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan
COMPROMISES
State Representation
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Representation based on population
More representatives from bigger states
Equal representation for all states, no matter their population
Questions
- Whose side are you on?
- Are you willing to compromise?
- Why or why not?
Result
Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise), which allowed both kinds of representation

9. Slavery Even after America won independence, slavery continued
COMPROMISES
Slavery
Even after America won independence, slavery continued
Especially in southern states
America also still traded for slaves from Africa
1.) Should America count slaves as part of the population?
States with higher populations are more powerful
2.) Should America stop the slave trade with Africa?

10. Slavery Pro-Slavery Anti-Slavery
COMPROMISES
Slavery
Pro-Slavery
Anti-Slavery
1.) Count slaves as part of the population
This gives more voting power to slave states
2.) Keep the African slave trade
1.) Don’t count slaves as part of the population
This gives less voting power to slave states
2.) Get rid of the African slave trade
Questions
- Whose side are you on?
- Are you willing to compromise?
- Why or why not?

11. COMPROMISES
Slavery
“It was inconsistent with the principles of the revolution and dishonorable to the American character to have such a feature in the Constitution.”
- Luther Martin (Maryland)
“Religion & humanity had nothing to do with this question. Interest alone is the governing principle with nations.”
– John Rutledge (South Carolina)

12. Rights Federalists wanted a strong central government
COMPROMISES
Rights
Federalists wanted a strong central government
Unlike the Articles of Confederation
Anti-Federalists were worried the Constitution would give too much power to government
And take away rights from the people
Kind of like a new King

13. State and Individual Rights
COMPROMISES
State and Individual Rights
Federalists
The Constitution is a good document because it creates a stronger national government
Anti-Federalists
We should have more protection for state and individual rights
Questions
- Whose side are you on?
- Are you willing to compromise?
- Why or why not?

14. What do you think?
Write one paragraph that answers the following questions
Do you think the Constitution delegates did a good job compromising?
Why do you think this? (include evidence from class)

15. The Finished Constitution
Three branches of government
Executive (President)
The President serves for 4 year terms
Legislative (Congress)
Includes the Senate and
the House of Representatives
Judicial (Supreme Court)
The Supreme Court has nine members
These people are appointed, not elected, and they serve for life

16. The Finished Constitution
The US government has many checks and balances
No branch has too much power (they share power)
Why does the Constitution share power
among different branches?
Balance

17. The Bill of Rights The first 10 amendments to the Constitution
An amendment means a change or correction
Gives more rights to the people
Protects the people from government power
Today there are a total of 27 amendments to the Constitution

18. A lot of history is detective work…

19. What do you see in this political cartoon?
What do you think this cartoon means?
Do you think the cartoon is for or against the Constitution?
Do you have any other questions about this cartoon?

20. Schoolhouse Rock Constitution
Bill of Rights TED-Ed
Constitution Intro
Bill of Rights rap
Ratification of the Constitution