By: Matt , Carl , Grant

Held in Philadelphia. Also known as Philadelphia Convention

Held From May to September 1787 Where Constitution was written

Main Idea

The Constitutional Convention tried to write a document that would address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and make compromises between large and small states and between the North and South

The Constitutional Convention

• Many were frustrated with the Articles of Confederation: farmers, veterans, merchants doing business between states, and creditors of the Continental Congress who had not been paid.

• Congress called all the states to meet in Philadelphia in May 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation.

55 Delegates Often called “Framers of Constitution” George Washington, James Madison, Ben

Franklin, Gouveneuor Morris, Roger Sherman, Edmund Randolph, Alexander Hamilton, and James Wilson

Thomas Jefferson John Adams Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Samuel

Adams, and Richard Henry Lee

George Washington elected President at Convention

Delegates from at least 7 states had to attend

If a delegates absence would leave a state without representation, then he had to get permission to be absent

When rising to speak, a delegate had to address the President

A member was not allowed to speak more than twice on the same question until every other member had the chance to speak on the subject

Comities can be appointed as necessary

Even More Rules

Any decision made by the convention can be changed until the entire plan was completed

The conventions proceedings were to be kept secret

Civil Discourse- just as important to listen to others as it is to speak and everybody has the opportunity to voice their ideas

Constitutional Convention

12 states attended some or all of the meetings. Politicians in Rhode Island were opposed to a stronger

government; they chose not to take part in the convention.

James Madison kept a detailed account of the convention in his diary.

Controversial plans Congress had to find a balance between the large and

small states and northern and southern interests

James Madison

When he arrived at the Convention, he had with him a detailed proposal for a new form of Government.This proposal was known as the Virginia Plan.

James Madison

With some significant changes, it became the basis for the Convention's final product. This is why Madison is called the Father of the Constitution.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a strong national government Each citizen would be governed under

the authority of two governments Bicameral legislature Small states objected

Proportional Representation

Proportional Representation- states with larger would have more representation in the legislature than smaller states

Federalism

Critical Thinking

Get into groups of 3 or 4 Answer questions Agree on one answer for eachquestion You will have 5 minutes until we go over them