Let’s Review: 1. What problems did the new nation face?

2. What do think the states need? Why?

3. What might the states fear and why?

4. What issues might the states not agree upon?

Answers:1.

• States had their own governments and argued on certain issues (slavery, currency, land, etc..

• Articles of Confederation-central government was weak.

• Depressed economy sparks anger and rebellion (Shay’s Rebellion).

2. Need a stronger central government to resolve arguments.

3. States might fear:• the return of a monarchy- leader with too much power.• A rebellion and war (Shay’s Rebellion)

4. Slavery, amount of power the government should have(Patriots vs. Loyalists-Federalists vs. Antifederalists ), money, representation, laws,

Democratic Resolution Part II:The Constitutional Convention • To understand how the states agreed on the

development of a stronger central government (Constitution).

• Key terms: − Compromise: agreement between two

perspectives(meeting of the minds; common ground)− Proportional: relationship between the whole and

the sum of its parts− Ratify: passed into law

Problem:We NEED a stronger Government!!!• Solution:

− Have a ‘Constitutional Convention,’ to rework the Articles

• Philadelphia in May 1787

− End up creating a new Constitution

What was the Constitutional Convention?

• A distinguished gathering of 55 well educated delegates

• Philadelphia. (Independence Hall)- May 25, 1787.

• Some key players: − George Washington chosen to be leader of convention.− James Madison: Delegate from Virginia. Became known

as the “Father of the Constitution.” − Alexander Hamilton: Delegate from New York

• Most delegates had taken part in the Revolution in some way.

How was the convention organized?• George Washington was the leader.• States had one vote on decisions.• Majority vote decides.• 7 out of the 13 states had to be present• No public- meetings were secret

How did the delegates feelings about the national government differ?

• Virginia Plan- (work of James Madison; proposed by Edmund Randolph) − Strong national government− Three branches of government

• (legislative, executive, judicial)

− Two houses of congress, based on population (proportional)

− Big states like it!• VA, Penn, NC, Mass, NY, MD

JUST before was voted on, NJ introduced a new plan

How did the delegates feelings about the national government differ? • New Jersey Plan (William Patterson)

− Three branches (same three)− ONE house – equal representation− Two executives-weaker cause 2 people share power

− ** Smaller states liked this one better!

The Great Compromise-Roger Sherman of Conn presents: • House of Reps is based on population

• Senate has two representatives per state (equal representation)

Issues of North v. South-• South wanted slaves to be counted in population

Let’s Read more: GO ON

The states must compromise!

• Issues of North v. South-• South wanted slaves to be counted in population

• Elbridge Gerry (Mass) said “Blacks are property and are used to the southward as horses and cattle to the northward” If you want slaves to count “make them citizens and let them vote.”

−3/5th’s Compromise: It was a compromise made by the southern and northern states which laid out how much slaves would be worth in calculating the number of Representatives per state in the House of Representatives

Other Problems:Issues of North v. South-

• South wanted slaves to be counted in population• Elbridge Gerry (Mass) said “Blacks are property and

are used to the southward as horses and cattle to the northward” If you want slaves to count “make them citizens and let them vote.”

Solution:

Other issues discussed but defeated: • Slave trade• Bill of rights

Now they need to ratify (approve the plan)!

Key Points and Sum up!• States needed a stronger government;

Articles of Confederation not working.• States meet in Philadelphia May 1787 at the

Constitutional Convention to revise articles, but create a constitution.

• States differ on issues must compromise (Virginia and New Jersey Plan.)

• Great Compromise-to deal with proportional representation in congress & Three-fifths Compromise how slaves should be counted in population.