iv. constitutional convention. a. new constitution may 1787 – group of delegates met in...

IV. Constitutional IV. Constitutional Convention Convention

IV. Constitutional IV. Constitutional Convention Convention

A. New Constitution

• May 1787 – Group of delegates met in Philadelphia to revise the Articles

• Constitutional Convention – Created an entirely new government to replace the Articles

• Constitution created is the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world

Meeting of the Constitutional

Convention

B. Organization• George Washington – Chosen to

preside over the convention• Spoke little but his presence

helped make the convention successful

• Convention was held in secret to allow the free exchange of ideas

Washington Video

C. Father of the Constitution

•James Madison – Kept a daily journal of the events

•Major source of information on the events of the convention

D. Major Compromises

• Major disagreement arose over the question of representation in the new government

• Virginia Plan – Edmond Randolph – Favored large states– Representation would be based on

the size of a state’s population

• New Jersey Plan – William Patterson– Favored small states– Each state was given equal

representation • Results in bickering, name-

calling, wig-pulling, and almost a full stop of the convention

E. Great Compromise

• Connecticut Compromise – Roger Sherman

• Created a two house lawmaking body called Congress– Senate – States had equal

representatives – House of Representative – States

represented according to its population

F. Slavery Compromises

• Commerce and Slave Trade – Congress was forbidden the power to tax exports of goods from any state

• Congress could not interfere with the slave trade for 20 years (1808)

• Three-Fifths Compromise • Proposed by James Madison • Decided the question of how slaves

would be counted for representation

• Counted each slave as 3/5th of a person

3/5th of a Man?

G. Approving the Constitution

• Federalist – Supported ratification of the Constitution

• Favored a strong central government

• Believe the Articles were too weak to keep the states unified

• Anti-Federalist – Opposed ratification of the Constitution

• Feared strong central governments• Believed Constitution would fail to

protect individual rights• Called for a bill of rights

H. Constitution is Ratified • Federalist Papers – Written in

favor of the Constitution • Written by Alexander Hamilton,

James Madison, and John Jay• Papers promised to add a bill of

rights

• Majority of states ratified Constitution in 1787 and 1788

•April 30, 1789 – George Washington is sworn in as the 1st President under the new Constitution