The Constitutional Convention Drafting a New Constitution Franklin

The Constitutional Convention Drafting a New Constitution

Franklin at Constitutional Convention 1787

Convention Begins �Amending the Articles �Delegates originally came to revise Articles of Confederation �Eventually they abandoned the Articles and started fresh. �All agreed on ideas of… �Limited and representative government � 3 branches of government �Limit certain state powers �Create a stronger national government

Plans for Constitution The Virginia Plan • Drafted by James Madison (Father of Constitution) • Plan based on 3 Principles 1. Strong Legislature with two chambers (bicameral) � Lower chamber chosen by the people � Upper chamber chosen by the lower � Number of seats in Congress was based on Population 2. Strong National Executive • Chosen by the legislature 3. National Judiciary � Chosen by legislature

Plans for Constitution New Jersey Plan �Counter plan from smaller states �Wanted to keep features of Articles �Unicameral Congress � 1 vote per state �Grow Congressional powers (tax, regulate trade) �Weak Executive power

Connecticut Compromise �Congress was at Gridlock over two plans �Committee headed by Roger Sherman (Conn. ) designed a compromise. Plan 1. House of Representatives – based on population 2. Senate – 2 members per state (equal representation) Why would the Connecticut Compromise make larger states and smaller states happy?

More Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise � 1/3 of population of South was enslaved African Americans �South wanted slaves to count in population, but not in taxes �North wanted slaves to count in taxes, but not population �Settlement 3/5 of enslaved persons counted for both

The Slavery Question �Many Northern States were beginning to outlaw slavery �Constitution did not address slavery �Delegates knew that Southern States would not accept constitution if it interfered with slavery

Ratifying the Constitution Federalists �Support from cities and coastal regions �Argued need for strong national government �Federalist Papers � 80 essays to supports �Promised a Bill of Rights Anti-Federalists �Support from inland farmers and laborers �Wanted a Bill of Rights