Chapter 2 Section 4 Creating the Constitution The

Chapter 2: Section 4 Creating the Constitution

The Framers • 12 of the 13 states sent delegates (all but RI). • 74 delegates were selected but only 55 attended. • Were men of wealth, prestige, education and public experience. • Average of the delegates was 42, with nearly half in their 30 s. • Represented a new generation of American politics and wanted a more effective government.

Know Your Framers James Madison George Washington “The Father of the Constitution” “Father of the United States of America” • Key figure in the drafting of the Constitution. • 4 th President of the United States • 5’ 4”, 100 pounds (not on test) • President of the Constitutional Convention and unifying voice. • 1 st President of the United States.

Know Your Framers Alexander Hamilton Benjamin Franklin “Least Likely to be Elected President of the United States” “Most ‘duel-able” “Grandfather of the United States of America” • Proponent of a strong central government and polarizing figure among delegates. • Proposed a ‘President-for-Life’. • First Secretary of the Treasury. • Like, Washington served as a unifying voice during the long and difficult process. • At 81, Franklin was the oldest of the delegates.

Organization and Procedures • George Washington was elected to serve as the President of the Constitutional Convention. • Rule were adopted requiring – a majority to conduct business. – each state had one vote on all matters. – a majority was required to carry any proposal. • Framers agree to work in secret.

Think about it On your notes take a moment to consider: Why the framers would want complete secrecy during the Constitutional Convention? Jot down a few ideas and we will discuss in a moment.

A Momentous Decision On May 30 th the Constitutional Convention adopted the following proposal: “Resolved, … that a national Government ought to be established consisting of a supreme Legislative, Executive and Judiciary. ” – Edmund Randolph, Delegate from Virginia From this moment forward the purpose of the convention was redefined to the creation of a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Mini-Group Presentations Instructions: • Break into groups of four to five. • Each group will be assigned one of the following topics; – – – The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan The Connecticut Compromise Three-Fifth Compromise The Slave and Commerce Compromise • Each group will use the book, paper and markers to create a poster detailing the above topic. • Once complete, a spokesman, or two, from each group will take 3 -5 minutes to explain to the class their topic and answer any questions.

Done! • 116 days after the convention began the document was signed on September 17 th 1787. 39 of the framers signed the document. • The fight for ratification would begin immediately.