Writing the Constitution - Constitutional Convention

55 delegates who created Articles of Confederation meet in Philadelphia in May 1787 to discuss how they could

change or improve Articles of Confederation

Delegates from every state except Rhode Island were present; they were worried that any changes

would leave them with less power

George Washington - most respected – elected President of Convention

Ben Franklin - oldest delegate there (81)

James Madison, 36, has been doing a lot of research on history, politics and commerce. Is most prepared delegate.

JAMES MADISON

Madison recorded proceedings of convention to share with future Americans. Refused to publish when he was alive; was

published 4 years after his death in 1840 .

MADISON FAMILY CEMETARY

Alexander Hamilton, NY, favored strong, central government

Talks were kept secret (even though hot, windows closed) so delegates could explore every issue without

pressure from public

Delegates are hopelessly divided . They cannot agree on how to fix Articles,

so they decide to abandon the Articles and write a new constitution

Virginia makes a proposal known as the Virginia Plan . Drafted by Edmund Randolph and

James Madison which consisted of:

Edmund RandolphJames Madison

Three braches of government: the legislative, executive and

judicial branches

1. Legislative Branch would be responsible for writing and passing

laws

a. Legislative Branch would have two houses

b. The number of seats/members each state would have in Congress would depend on that state’s

population (small states disliked this)

2. Executive Branch - enforce /carry out laws passed by Congress

• President: Leader of the country and Commander in Chief of the military.

• Vice President: President of the Senate and becomes President if the President is unable to serve.

• Departments: Department heads advise the President on policy issues and help execute those policies.

• Executive Agencies: Makes regulations to help implement laws.

• Independent Agencies: Help carry out policy or provide special services

3. Judicial Branch - system of courts to decide if laws are carried out fairly

U.S. Supreme Court - 2013

Small states object to Virginia Plan

Small states feared large states could easily outvote them with more members in the houses.

William Patterson of New Jersey presents small states’

New Jersey Plan which consists of:

William Patterson

Three braches of government just like the Virginia Plan : the legislative,

executive and judicial branches

Difference: legislature to have only one house with each state having one

representative in legislature.

Similarity: Both plans have presented three branches of gov’t.