The United States Constitution

The Backbone of our Society

The Constitutional Convention

• Was written in 1787 and still going strong today.• Written over 200 years ago and is known as a

“Living Constitution”.• “Framers” of the Constitution came from 12 of the

13 states to meet in Philadelphia at Independence Hall at a meeting known as the Constitutional Convention. (Rhode Island not present)

• Came together to revise Articles of Confederation, but instead, spent 4 months creating a new government.

• Had many debates and had to make many compromises.

Convention cont.

• Had 55 total delegates—34 which were lawyers. Only 39 of 55 delegates signed the Constitution.

• Average age was about ____ years old. Youngest—Jonathan Dayton, 26. Oldest—Benjamin Franklin, ____.

• George Washington chosen to preside over convention.

• Other notables: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Roger Sherman, William Paterson.

• Madison came to be known as the “______ of the Constitution”.

The State House (Independence Hall)

Assembly room at Independence Hall. Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and

Constitution all signed here.

Scene at the signing of the Constitution.

Constitutional Basics

• It is the highest law in the United States.• Creates the Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court• There are 7 Articles and 27 Amendments.• First 3 Articles set up our system of government.

______ the laws.

________ the laws. ________ the laws.

Executive Judicial

Legislative

Constitutional Basics—cont.

• Established a system of checks and balances to ensure their would be a separation of powers between the 3 branches of govt.

• Allowed a line of succession for the President.• Set up the requirements to become a govt. official.

Age requirements. Salary. Duties.

• Set up the Amendment and Ratification process. How a bill becomes a law.

• Many, many other things.

Constitutional Issues

Slavery• 1787, most African-Americans were

slaves.• People of North wanted to end slavery• Southerners wanted to keep it.• President Lincoln did away w/slavery.• Civil War soon erupted and southern

states lost.• Added Civil War Amendments.• Amendment—slavery made illegal.• Amendment—every person born in

U.S. was a full citizen.• Amendment—ensured African-

Americans the right to vote.

Constitutional Issues

Women’s Rights• Men held all positions of

power.• Women had no role in

government.• Little hope for women to

advance in society.• There were laws stating

women could not vote.• Amendment

passed in 1920 and allowed women the right to vote.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton (sitting) and Susan B. Anthony.

The Bill of Rights

• Added in _____.• Contains first ___

Amendments.• Passed because

some people were afraid the government would have too much power.

• Wanted to make sure some things were kept legal.

First Amendment—most important

Contains our 5 basic civil liberties:

1st Amendment

Freedom of

Religion

FreedomOf

Assembly

FreedomOf

Petition

FreedomOf

Press

FreedomOf

Speech