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