1787

Soldiers forcibly prevent courts in western Mass. From sitting, fearful of losing their property to creditors/tax collectors

Mass. Governor asks Continental Congress to send troops to suppress rebellion-They can’t raise money or manpower

Didn’t have state militia; had to raise funds for volunteer army

Inspired delegates to attend convention who otherwise wouldn’t have gone

Convention set for May 1787 in PhiladelphiaAdvertised as a revising of the AoC, but

ended with an entirely new Constitution Had state constitutions as models

Pennsylvania- radically democratic, unicameral legislature, no governor (example of tyranny by concentrating powers- disenfranchised Quakers)

Massachusetts – less democratic, weak, separation of powers, governor elected, judges serve for life, officials must swear they are Christian, citizen=property owner

The Framers 55 delegates

74 invited, 55 attendedRhode Island refused to send any delegatesMostly young but experienced

8 signers of the Declaration 7 Governors34 lawyers39 former members of the Congress of the

Confederation Several wealthy, most well to do1/3 veterans of the Continental army3 physicians ½ college graduates 6 large plantation owners8 important businesspersons

• How to create a government strong enough to preserve order but not so strong as to threaten liberty

Washington selected as President, Virginia delegation introduced the draft created by Madison (who also took detailed notes of the convention)

Split on many issues:-strong national but limited authority, monarchy, trust common man, claims to western lands

Strong national union with three branchesLegislative branch made up of two houses,

one elected by people, second selected by first house

Executive selected by legislature, judiciary appointed by legislature

National legislature had supreme powers on all matters separate states couldn’t act on and could veto any state laws

Amended Articles of ConfederationEach state had one vote, regardless of

population -big issue for small states

Congress able to regulate trade and impose taxes

Several people, elected by Congress, would form executive branch

*If introduced first it probably would have passed, but delegates were already considering the Virginia Plan

aka the Great Compromise or the Connecticut Compromise

House of Representatives based on population, elected by the people

Senate with two Senators per state, chosen by state legislatures

Electoral college (Congress appoints vs. direct election)

Presidential term (3, 7, life?)Selection process of Supreme Court justices

(Senate vs. Pres)No export taxes (South insisted)3/5 compromise

Plan adopted July 16, 1787 and approved by all states September 17.