The Constitutional Convention and The Great Compromise Philadelphia

The Constitutional Convention and The Great Compromise Philadelphia 1787

Reasons for the Convention 1. 2. 3. To revise problems associated with the Articles of Confederation To create national trade laws. To discuss ways to stop domestic rebellion.

Constitutional Convention of 1787 55 delegates from every state except Rhode Island met in Philadelphia in May 1787. n These “Founding Fathers” were models of civic virtue: citizen’s responsibility to create a safe & successful society. n ¾ had been members of the 2 nd Continental Congress. n

In Attendancen George Washington (VA)- Elected President of the Convention n Ben Franklin (PA)- oldest/ wisest n Alexander Hamilton (NY)- wanted a strong central govt. n Roger Sherman (CT)- One of the five Men who wrote the Declaration n James Madison (VA)- “Father of the Constitution”

James Madison “Father of the Constitution” n n Spent months researching the Enlightened thinkers & Greek and Roman governments Since this was a “secret” meeting, the doors and windows were locked, and everyone took an oath of secrecy. Came to the convention with a draft of what will later be called the US Constitution Took detailed notes, which he published 50 yrs later (that’s how we know what happened!)

Not in attendancen Thomas Jefferson and John Adams who were European diplomats. n Patrick Henry- Refused to represent Virginia because he believed he “smelled a rat, tending towards monarchy” n Native Americans, African Americans, and Women were not represented.

Compromise n What is a compromise? n Give an example of a time when you had to compromise with someone.

Compromise When two opposite/conflicting sides reach an agreement by each side giving up something. n The goal to is to make each side satisfied so living in peace is possible. n

Issue : How should the people be represented? For each plan below discuss the pros & cons with a partner. Be prepared to share w class. All states, large & small, should have the same number of representatives. (b) Large states should have more representatives than small states. (a) n The delegates spent the 1 st weeks debating representation of the states in Congress. Two plans were debated:

Big States Supported the: Virginia Plan 373, 324 314, 142 424, 099 Divided the national govt. into 3 branches: n Legislative (makes laws) – Bicameral= 2 houses – # of representatives based on population & wealth of states Executive (enforces laws) n Judicial (interprets laws) n 442, 117 Why is this plan unfair to the small states?

Small States Supported the: 141, 097 New Jersey Plan 169, 954 46, 310 140, 178 52, 886 n 3 Branches: n Legislative=1 house (unicameral) – 1 vote per state- equal representation Executive- more than 1 president: at least one for domestic & one foreign affairs n Judicial- Judges chosen by presidents interpret laws n Why is this plan unfair to the big states?

The Great Compromise From Virginia Plan From New Jersey Plan House of Representatives# of reps Based on population (proportional representation) Senateeach state gets two senators (= 2 votes) Equal Representation Connecticut Compromise

North does not need slaves for labor Southern farmers dependent on slavery

Issue : When Counting People in States, Should Slaves be Counted? For each plan below discuss the pros & cons with your partner. Be prepared to share with the class. No. Slaves are Property. They don’t need representation. (b) Yes. Slaves may not be citizens, but they have needs that should be represented. (a) Which is the thought of the North? South? Why?

The Question of Counting Slaves

The Question of Counting Slaves n The South wanted to count slaves to increase representation in the House of Reps. n Northern states opposed this saying, “if you count them for representation you must also pay a “tax” for them as property. ” n 3/5 ths Compromise-- 5 slaves count as 3 white persons for the purpose of representation and taxation.

60% Every 5 Slaves = 3 White Males

The Preamble to the Constitution

Preamble We the People n In order to form a more perfect union n Establish justice n Insure domestic tranquility n Provide for the common defense n Promote the general welfare n Translation Everyone Wants a better society Create fairness Create peace at home Make sure we are safe Allow for a good life

Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves n And our posterity n Do ordain and establish n The Constitution of the United States of America n n Protect our freedom And our kids’ n So we create n n A new set of laws for government