Ch 8 Lesson 1 The Constitutional Convention 1787

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 The Constitutional Convention 1787 1780’s – Americans were poor. There was a lot of debt. Massachusetts farmers protested and took over an arsenal – is a weapons storehouse Shay’s Rebellion – led by Daniel Shay • Governor of Massachusetts had to send state troops to stop the uprising. • There was no national army. • made some people think the National government could not keep order or control. • So the government looked weak.

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 Ideas for Change James Madison (VA) – Argued the country needed a stronger national government. • All states had governors, but no single national leader • There was no national court system Patrick Henry (VA) • was one of many delegates who wanted to keep the articles of confederation • Henry was pro states and against a strong federal government. Why did some people want a stronger national government? Because they thought that the national government could not keep order or protect them.

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 George Washington was chosen to be president of the Constitutional Convention Edmund Randolph (VA) asked congress to do away with the Articles of Confederation, and write a new plan. 1. One main issue was the relationship between the federal government and the state government 2. And how should representation in Congress be divided among the states.

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 Major Debate The Virginia Plan • Edmund Randolf (VA) • Under the plan Congress would have two parts, or houses. But the number of representatives was based on the state population • This plan favored larger states • VA, MA, PA The New Jersey Plan • William Patterson (NJ) • He and others were worried that larger states would have more control in Congress. • The NJ Plan • One house where each state would be equally represented (Senate) How did the delegates disagree about representation in Congress? They disagreed over whether to base representation on population or have the same number of representatives from each state.

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 Working Together Compromise – to reach an agreement, or give up something in order to reach a goal. Bill – an idea for a new law. The Connecticut Compromise Based on the idea of a two house Congress. 1. One house would be based on the population of each state. (House of Representatives) 2. In the other house, each state would be equally represented. (Senate – 2 per state) 3. Committee added another idea – only the house in which representation was based on population would be able to propose a tax bill * Approved – July 16, 1787 How did delegates settle the issue of representation in Congress? One house would have representation based on population. Another house would have the

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 Compromises on Slavery Should slaves be counted when figuring each state’s population? South – said YES! Because the southern states would have more representatives North – said NO! they aregued that since slaves were not allowed to vote and did not hold citizenship. Some delegates hoped slaver would end. The Three-Fifths Compromise Delegates agreed to count three-fifths of the number of slaves in each state toward the number of representatives. Gouvernour Morris of Pennsylvania called slavery – “the curse of heaven on the states where it prevailed. ”

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 SLAVERY & The Convention In 1808 Congress agreed that states could not import enslaved people from other countries. After 1808, Congress banned the slave trade with other countries. However, enslaved people could be bought and sold within the United States. Summary – Instead of just fixing the Articles of Confederation, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention decided to write a new constitution. The Great Compromise resolved conflicts over representation in the government.

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 1. How was a new plan of government developed at the Constitutional Convention? The delegates developed a new plan of government after much debate and compromise. 2. Explain how the terms federal system and republic are related? The Constitution set up a republic that is governed by a federal system 3. Who were some of the people associated with the development of the United States Constitution? George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Roger Sherman, Gouverneur Morris, Edmund Randolph William Patterson 4. How did the makers of the Constitution try to fix some of the problems that existed under that Articles of Confederation? They gave the federal government the power to collect taxes, maintain an army, and print all money.

Ch. 8, Lesson 1 Gouverneur Morris “In every society the members have a right to the utmost liberty. ” The Preamble to the US Constitution “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ”