THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Ch. 5 Sec. 2

The Constitutional Convention Nationalists – People who

supported a strong central gov’t. George Washington Ben Franklin James Madison Alexander Hamilton

Wanted to set up a convention with the states to revise AOC.

Nationalists

The Constitutional Convention 1787 - Constitutional Convention in

Philadelphia. 55 delegates from every state (Except

RI). George Washington presiding officer. James Madison kept the records Closed to public.

The Virginia Plan

Edmund Randolph introduces the Virginia Plan Throw out AOC National gov’t with power to raise taxes 3-branch gov’t system (Legislative,

Executive, Judicial)

Edmund Randolph

The Virginia Plan

Proposed the legislature be divided into two houses. Individuals elect members to first house. Members of second house would be

elected by first house members (not individuals).

Number of members in first house based on population of each state. Who has the advantage? Is this system

fair?

Virginia Plan

The New Jersey Plan

William Paterson introduces the New Jersey Plan Revise (don’t throw out) the AOC Congress has the power to levy taxes

and regulate trade. ONE house, each state has equal

representation. Now who has the advantage? Is this fair?

Rejected; Convention votes to proceed with Virginia Plan to create a new constitution.

William Paterson

Question:

In what ways did the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan differ? The Virginia Plan wanted to throw out the

Articles of Confederation, while the New Jersey Plan wanted to revise the Articles of Confederation. The Virginia Plan called for two houses of Congress with representation based on a state’s population. The New Jersey Plan called for one house of Congress with equal representation. The Virginia Plan called for three branches of government, whereas the New Jersey Plan did not.

Conflict and Compromise

Problems with new plan: Big States vs. Little States Slave States vs. Free States

A special committee of undecided delegates were appointed to create a compromise. “Strong feeling” delegates left out of

meeting.

The Great Compromise

House of Representatives Members elected by

the people. Number of

representatives from each state based on population.

Senate Equal

representation of each state. (2)

State legislators choose members.

Slavery Issue

The Three-Fifths Compromise Every five enslaved people in a state

would count as three free persons to determine representation and taxes. Southern delegates opposed any

interference with the slave trade by the new Constitution.

Northern delegates wanted the national gov’t to control imports/exports. Compromise:

1. Congress couldn’t tax exports. 2. Congress couldn’t ban slave trade until 1808.

Constitution Approved

In September 1787, the Philadelphia Convention delegates approved the Constitution they wrote out. Needs 9 out of 13 states to ratify, or

approve, the document before it takes effect.

U.S. Constitution

U.S. Constitution

The Framework of the Constitution Constitution based on popular

sovereignty, or rule of the people. Creates a system of gov’t called

federalism. Divides federal and state gov’ts. Separation of Powers among three

branches of gov’t.

The Framework of the Constitution Legislative Branch

Makes laws. Divided into two houses.

Executive Branch Enforces laws Headed by President

Judicial Branch Interprets Laws Made up of federal courts.

Branches of Government

Branches of Government

Checks and Balances

Checks and Balances created to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Powers of President

Proposing legislation, Commander in Chief, appointing judges, and can veto or approve laws.

Powers of Legislative Branch Make laws, override vetoes with 2/3 vote, senate

approves or rejects presidential appointments. Impeach, or formally accuse of misconduct

Powers of the Judicial Branch Interprets laws in the form of court cases.

Checks and Balances

Constitution Changes

The Constitution can be changed by adding amendments to it. Two-step process: Proposal and

Ratification 1. Introduced in Congress, passed by 2/3

vote. 2. Ratified by ¾ of the states.