The Constitutional Convention Again, this could be covered in 10 weeks…. but we’re moving fast. The following is a bit oversimplified, we’ll call it the “short version”
“Constitution” • Definition: the basic principles and laws of a nation, state, or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the people in it • Simply put: The Supreme Law of the Land
1776 -1787 • Individual State Constitutions • Articles of Confederation • “Confederation Congress” • Washington: “We have errors to correct. “ • Others agreed, such as James Madison of Virginia
Problems with the Articles: • Paper Money = Inflation • No power to tax • No individual leader • Could not regulate commerce • Shays’ Rebellion (Mass. 1786) • Debtor’s prisons
“Annapolis Convention” (only 5 states) A “Grand Convention” is needed! Goal was still to simply “tweak” the Articles
The people have the right to choose the form of government under which they shall live and to install such government as they deem appropriate to secure their liberty, security, and happiness. Declaration of Independence!
Delegates to the Convention • Virginia & Five other states: • New York & Five other states: • Sent Delegates right away! • Waited for Confederation Congress to OK
Rhode Island sent NO delegation Strongly opposed to any national regulations (trade) When all is said and done, they were threatened into joining by Congress!
The Framers were a “new generation” of politicians …A Younger Group than the Continental Congress
55 Delegates Attend Only 39 signed (May – September 1787) Washington
“The Framers” James Madison (VA) (36)
“The Framers” Robert Morris (PA) (53)
“The Framers” Alexander Hamilton (NY) (32)
“The Framers” Ben Franklin (Pennsylvania) Age 81
“The Framers” • Jonathan Dayton - 27 (NJ) • John Dickinson (DE) • Roger Sherman (CT) • Dr. James Mc. Henry (MD)
Original Founding Fathers Two very notable absentees?
Other famous absentees in addition to Adams and Jefferson: • Patrick Henry (smelled a “rat”) • Sam Adams • Richard Henry Lee • John Hancock
Question to be dealt with: Who has the power? The states or a national government? Can both exist?
The Virginia Plan • Edmund Randolph (Governor) • Or…the “Large State Plan” • 3 Branches of Gov’t that check each other • Centralized National Gov’t could veto state laws(the rat!) • Proportional Representation • Congress chooses President
The New Jersey Plan • William Paterson • Or…the “Small State Plan” • Simply make the Articles better • Keep one house legislature, one vote for each state
The Hamilton Plan • Job of gov’t is to protect the few from the masses • Senators and Pres. - LIFE • Gov’t appoints state officials • Delegates liked, people would NOT
Connecticut Compromise • Or…the “Great Comp. ” • Roger Sherman • Two Houses in the Congress • One is Equal (Senate) • One is Population Based (House of Reps. )
Slavery • Do slaves count? • SC richest state • 3/5 Compromise • 20 years left on slave trading • Does this make us rethink the framers?
3/5 Compromise Terrible for Slavery! By mentioning slavery the Constitution is acknowledging it South has power…. can protect it in Congress
The Presidency • At first, many ideas for election and term of office • Biggest problem, how to elect? • The answer: “Electoral College”
September 17, 1787 I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting Sun ---Franklin
Ratification – Passing it • Passing the Constitution required 9 states • Delaware was first • New Hampshire #9 • 1789 : New Gov’t in place! (however…)
Two Important States Remain Unsure • Virginia and New York • Wanted to insertion of basic citizen rights • “Bill of Rights”
Unforeseen outcome of the Constitutional Convention: • Development of Political Parties in the U. S. • Federalists & Anti-Feds
Federalists • Supported the Constitution • Supported Big Government • Generally Big City / Businessmen Anti-Federalists
Federalists led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and "Publius“ The “Federalist” (Papers) Debate in New York
The “Federalist” (Papers) • #10 -- How to counteract factions; larger republic better than small states; proof of no intention for parties J. M. • #51 --Defends 3 branches with checks and balances, hence our rights J. M. • #70 – One man Executive A. H. • #78 – Judicial Review A. H. • #84 – No need for a Bill of Rights A. H.
Anti-Federalists were eventually led by Thomas Jefferson “Jeffersonian-Republicans” “Democratic-Republicans” “Democrats”
Inaugurating the new President • September 13, 1788 – 11 of 13 States • March 4, 1789 – Congress convened • April 30, 1789 – George Washington becomes president
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