From Revolution to Constitution

Today’s Objectives After this lesson, we will be able to…

◦ Discuss the disagreements between small and large states at the Constitutional Convention

◦ Explain the Great Compromise and the 3/5 Compromise

First – Let’s Review! The Articles of Confederation show that political leaders of that time felt that __________

America replaced the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution because __________

Madison argued in Federalist 10 & 51 that ______________

Madison’s wanted to protect the _____________________

Articles of Confederation (Our First National Government)

Reflected two main fears of colonists◦ Fear of strong national government◦ Fear that some states would dominate others

Articles established a “league of friendship” among the states◦ Each state retains sovereignty (power, authority)

But, there were numerous weaknesses

Levying Taxes Congress could request not demand them from states

Regulation of Trade none

Raising an army Dependent on states to contribute forces

Interstate Commerce No control of trade between states

Federal courts none

Amending document 13/13 states needed

Passing laws 9/13 states needed

Sovereignty Resided with the states, each got one vote

Critical Period Weaknesses of Articles led to political and economic problems!

◦ States did not support central government◦ States were in conflict with one another◦ Shay’s Rebellion

Showed that to survive, the United States needed a stronger national government

Constitutional Convention (Summer 1787 – Philadelphia)

12 of 13 States (no Rhode Island)

55 Delegates make up Framers of the Constitution◦ Worked in total secrecy

Originally called to revise the Articles Then decided to create a new government

Plans for the Constitution Virginia Plan

Three separate branches (executive, judicial, and legislative)

Bicameral legislature (house and senate)

Representation based on population National government with expanded powers

New Jersey Plan

Unicameral Congress

Equal representation of states

Federal executive of more than one person

The Great Compromise Connecticut Compromise

Bicameral legislature

◦ Senate – Equal representation◦ House – Representation based on population

The Slave Question Should slaves be counted in figuring the populations of states?

Three-Fifths Compromise Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for representation, but states also paid 3/5 of taxes

Congress could not interfere with slave trade until 1808

Constitution Information Written in 1787 Took effect in 1789

◦ Took a little while because of arguments between Federalists and Anti-Federalists◦ Anti-Federalists worried that a strong government would hinder personal rights

◦ Wanted a Bill of Rights

Becomes “Supreme Law of the Land” Lays out basic framework and procedures for our country

Less than 7,000 words, but able to guide the country through two centuries

Levying Taxes Congress could levy on individuals

Regulation of Trade Yes

Raising an army yes

Interstate Commerce yes

Federal courts yes

Amending document 2/3 of both houses of Congress plus ¾ of state legislatures

Passing laws 50% + 1 of both houses plus Pres. approval

Sovereignty Const. supreme law of the land