Road to the Constitution
In the beginning… • The new nation was organized into a confederation – a group of individuals who band together for a common purpose. • Articles of Confederation -National Legislature -Each state has 1 vote. - NO executive or judicial branches.
Articles of Confederation Under the Articles of Confederation Congress could 1. ) Declare War 2. ) Make treaties with foreign nations 3. ) Work out trade agreement between states.
• Congress could NOT 1. Tax or enforce taxes 2. Enforce laws (Congress could not pass a law unless 9 of 13 states voted in favor of it. ) Articles of Confederation = WEAK CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Constitution Convention • May 25, 1787 • 55 delegates from 12 states. (Rhode Island, the 13 th State opposed a strong central government)
Start from Scratch • Key Decisions – Each state would have one vote. – Simple majority would decide any issue (7 votes) – The work of the convention was secret. – George Washington picked as leader.
Two Plans • Virginia Plan -Recommended by James Madison -Called for a two house Legislature - Bicameral – Two house -Representation based on states population.
Two Plans • New Jersey Introduced by William Paterson Included one House States would have equal representation and therefore equal votes.
Constitutional Compromises • The two sides come to a compromise. The Great Compromise In one house each state would have equal representation. – Senate In the other house, representation would be based on each states population. - House of Representatives
Issue of Slavery - South wanted slaves to count towards population based on representation. -North wanted slaves to count toward taxation only. Three-Fifths Compromise both representation and taxation to be counted as 3/5 of a person.
• Executive Branch -Many felt one leader could lead to tyranny. -Preferred a executive committee of 2 people. - They settle on one leader. Election - Some wanted Congress to elect president. - Others favored a popular election. Settled on Electoral College that would elect President. The Electoral College in Plain English
Electoral College • Each state legislature would choose a number of electors – - The electoral college. – The electoral college would select the president and the vice president. – How many electoral votes does Kentucky get?
Ratification of the Constitution • In order for the Constitution to be official 9 of the 13 states had to ratify it. • Anti-Federalist – – Argued the national government had too much power. Feared this would lead to tyranny. The states lost too much power. **And it was missing a bill of rights. **
Ratification of the Constitution • Federalists • Argued the nation could not survive without a strong national government. • Promised if the Constitution is adopted they would add Bill of rights. • Wrote The Federalist to convince people to support the new constitution. **First political parties!**
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