The Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention begins n n 1787 - Philadelphia Delegates from all the states invited to a convention to improve the Articles of Confederation, which were not working Only RI didn’t attend 55 Delegates attended
Leaders of the Convention n n George Washington was asked to preside (lead) over the convention. James Madison kept notes of the discussions and is often called “The Father of the Constitution. ” The men who wrote the Constitution are called the “Founding Fathers” & “Framers” All the participants in the Convention were wealthy, white, males.
The Founding Fathers
“Easy” Agreements n n n 3 branches, separation of powers + checks & balances Government MUST be able to enforce its policies, including the powers to tax & to regulate interstate & foreign commerce/trade Voting rights would be left up to state governments to decide
Issues that divided the Nation’s leaders n n n The power of the federal government. Would the states or the federal government have the most power? Organization of, and Representation in Congress (How many members in Congress would each state get? – small states wanted equal representation, large states wanted it to be determined by population of the states Slavery – How would slaves be counted? Would the slave trade continue?
The Virginia Plan n n Called for a new national government. Threw out the Articles of Confederation Called for a two-house (bicameral) legislature Representation in both houses of legislative branch to be based on population of state Large states like the plan, small states don’t.
New Jersey Plan n n Legislature – would have one house (unicameral). Each state would get one vote, regardless of population (just like Articles of Con. ) Small states liked the plan, the large states did not. There would have to be a compromise.
The Great Compromise n n n Legislature would have two houses (bicameral): House of Representatives & a Senate House - based on the population of state, according to Census taken every 10 years Senate - two senators per each state, regardless of population
Slavery n n The Southern states refused to approve the Constitution unless slavery continued. It was a terrible compromise to make, but the Northern states had no choice if they wanted a Constitution. 3/5 Compromise - Made each slave worth 3/5 of a vote in deciding numbers in House of Representatives Congress can not ban the slave trade until 1808.
Executive Branch n n n Headed by 1 person, the president Would be in charge of the military as civilian (commander in chief) Given permission to hire heads of departments (Cabinet) n n n Would be chosen by an electoral college (more to come) Did not trust majority of citizens with huge responsibility of choosing head law enforcer Would guarantee smaller states a consistent voice
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