8.2.1Origins of the Constitution

Content Objective

SWBAT identify the importance of the Magna Carta, the English Bill

of Rights and the Mayflower Compact

Language Objective

• SWBAT summarize the importance of the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact.

Magna Carta

• The Great Charter• King John of England

agreed to obey the same laws as citizens.

• Basically limits the power of the King.

English Bill of Rights

• Passed in 1689• Declared the supremacy

of Parliament.• The King or Queen could

not pass taxes or change laws without Parliament’s consent.

• Representatives had more power.

Mayflower Compact

• Agreed to make laws that were fair and good for everyone.

• The first attempt at self government in the English colonies.

8.2.7Principles of Government

U.S. Constitution

James Madison

Constitutional Convention

• Delegates from the 13 states met at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to create a working government.

Popular Sovereignty

• “WE THE PEOPLE”The people must give

the government power to rule.

The Constitution is a contract between the American people and their government.

Limited Government

• The government has only the powers that the people grant it

• The Constitution clearly states the powers of the national government.

Federalism

• The principle of Federalism divides power between the federal government and state governments.

• States can provide for the special needs and concerns of their citizens.

Separation of Powers

• The framers of the Constitution divided the power to prevent one person from abusing their power.

Checks and balances

• To prevent one branch of government from gaining too much power, each branch checks or controls the power of the other branches.

Federalist vs. Antifederalists

John Locke 1690

• Locke stated two important ideas in his Two Treatises on Government.

• First, all people have the right to life, liberty and property.

• Second, government is an agreement between the ruler and the ruled.

Montesquieu 1748

• Wrote The Spirit of the laws. In it he urged…

• Power of government be divided into three branches.

• Power of government clearly defined.

8.2.3Major Debates in the Creation of

the Constitution

Constitutional Issues

• The Great Compromise

• New Jersey Plan• Vs• Virginia Plan

New Jersey Plan

• Plan for small states.• Keep large states

from having too much power.

• Unicameral, one house, legislature.

• Each state equal vote

Virginia Plan

• Sovereignty to the central power.

• Bicameral, two house legislature

• Representatives chosen on basis of population.

• Larger states have more Representatives.

• Large states have more power.

House of Representatives

States are represented according to population. Larger states have more representation in the House.

Senate

• In the Senate all states have equal representation. Smaller states are equal to the large states.

Counting Slaves

• North and South divided on issue of counting slaves for representation purposes.

• 3/5 Compromise allowed slaves to be counted as 3/5 of a person.

Choosing an Executive

• Electors are chosen by each state to vote for the President and Vice-President.

• Each state has the same # of electors as it has Senators and Representatives.

Ratification of Constitution

• The Constitution was ratified with the understanding that a Bill of Rights would be added.

• The Constitution was finished September 17, 1787.