Chapter 3 Section 1

Only RHODE ISLAND did not take part in the convention because it did not believe in a stronger central government.

It began in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on May 25, 1787.

There were 55 delegates, and Ben Franklin (81) was the oldest delegate.

He was famous as a diplomat, writer, inventor, and scientist.

Patrick Henry was elected as a delegate, but he was against the convention and did not attend.

It was voted unanimously (collectively) that George Washington should be the President of the Convention.

The public was not allowed to attend meeting, the doors were guarded , and the windows were kept tightly shut. Why would they do this?

The delegates agreed that changing the Articles would not be enough, so they wrote a new constitution.

They wanted to strengthen the national government by the creation of a new plan of government.

Constitutional Convention: the meeting of state delegates in 1787 leading to adoption of the new Constitution.

Chapter 3 Section 2

“I would bury my bones in this city rather than [leave]…the convention without anything being done.”

-Elbridge Gerry

Virginia Plan: called for a government with three branches Legislative Branch: lawmakers. There would

be two houses based on population.Executive Branch: carry out the lawsJudicial Branch: courts who interpret and

apply the laws

What would be a problem with two houses based on population?

New Jersey Plan: Also called for three branches of governmentThe legislative branch would only have one house, and the states would only have one vote.

Written by James Patterson

The Great CompromiseA committee headed by Roger Sherman came

up with an answer for the Virginia-New Jersey dilemma.

The committee proposed Congress having two houses- the Senate and House of Representatives. Senate would have equal representationHouse of Representatives based on population

Great Compromise: agreement providing a dual system of congressional representation. It is also known as the Connecticut Compromise.

At the time, more than 550,000 African Americans were enslaves, mostly in the South.

Southerners wanted to count the slaves as part of their population, but Northerners opposed the idea.

Three-Fifths Compromise: agreement providing that enslaved persons would count as three-fifths of other persons in determining representation in Congress.

Congress could regulate trade between the states, as well as other countries.

Congress could not tax exports or interfere with the slave trade before 1808.

Electoral College: a group of people who would be named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president.

9 of the 13 states had to ratify the Constitution.

Federalists: Supporters of the ConstitutionFederalism: a form of government

in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states.

Anti-Federalists: Opposed the ConstitutionFelt that it gave too much power to the

national government and took too much away from the states.

Objected not having a bill of rights. They thought the Constitution failed to provide protection for certain individual liberties, such as the freedoms of speech and religion.

June 21, 1788: Constitution took effect.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTITUTION

Section 3.3

Main purpose of the Constitution: provide a framework for the U.S. government.

Three parts of the ConstitutionPreamble: an introduction that states the goals

and purposes of the governmentSeven articles: describes the structure of the

governmentAmendments: 27 additions or changes to the

Constitution.

It starts by saying, “We the People…” because the government depends on the people.

The middle part states the six purposes for government“To form a more perfect Union”“To establish Justice”“To insure domestic Tranquility”“To provide for the common defense”“To promote the general Welfare”“To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves

and our Posterity”

Article I: The Legislative BranchThe Framers of the Constitution intended for the

legislative branch to be the leader in the government.Congress can collect taxes, regulate foreign and

interstate trade, coin money, and declare war. Article II: The Executive Branch

Powers include commanding the armed forces, dealing with leaders of other countries, and appointing certain government officials.

Article III: The Judicial BranchPower deals with cases involving the Constitution,

federal laws and treaties, and disputes between states.

Articles IV-VIIArticle IV: States respect each otherArticle V: Specified how amendments are madeArticle VI: Constitution is “supreme Law of the

Land.” Also, if state laws or court decisions conflict with federal law, the federal law prevails.

Article VII: Constitution would take effect when nine states ratified it.

There have been 27 amendments (changes to the Constitution).

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments. Added in 1791.

Framers made the process of amending the Constitution difficult on purpose. WHY?

Necessary and Proper Clause: Allows Congress to exercise powers that are not specifically listed in the Constitution (powers known as “implied powers”).

Supreme Court has the final authority on the interpretation, and they have interpreted the Constitution in different ways.

Presidential and Congressional actions have caused the interpretations to change. The Constitution allows the House of

Representatives to impeach, or accuse, federal official. The Senate determines guilt or innocence.

The interpretation of the Constitution has also changes though customs that have developed.Ex. Political parties.

The Framers embraced five principled for the ConstitutionPopular SovereigntyRule of LawSeparation of PowersChecks and BalancesFederalism

Popular Sovereignty: the notion that power lies with the people.

How can we ensure this?People have the right to voteChoose who represents us in CongressElectoral College

The law should be strong, but not too strong

Rule of Law: The law applies to everyone, even those who govern.

Influenced by Baron de Montesquieu- a French philosopher.

Separation of powers: the split of authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and Balances: system to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Examples: (don’t have to write)President can veto a lawCongress can block presidential appointments

and treatiesThe Supreme Court can overturn laws and

executive policies

Power is shared between the national and state governments.

Expressed Powers: powers only given to the national government. coin money and make treaties with other nations.

Reserved Powers: powers that the Constitution does not give to the national government and are kept by the states. regulating trade within state borders, establishing schools, and

rule for marriage and divorce.

Concurrent Powers: Powers that the state and national governments exercise. collect taxes, borrow money, and set up courts and prisons.