CONSTITUTIONCh. 2

HOW DID WE GET THIS CONSTITUTION??? The Constitutional Convention begins

55 attend meeting in Philadelphia The ELITE of the Colonies

Washington was one of the richest men in the US.

34 took a leading role

The press and public were not allowed to attend

All favored a limited government and a Representative government.

The government should be divided into 3 branches. All attended to strengthen the National Government.

COMPROMISES

The Virginia Plan Government based on 3 principles

1) A strong National legislative branch with 2 chambers. Lower house ---- chosen by the people Upper house ---- chosen by the lower

2) Strong National executive Chosen by the legislature

3) National Judiciary to be appointed by the legislature.

Plan was basis of new constitution. Smaller states did not like this plan

Larger states would be in control.

COMPROMISES

The New Jersey Plan Kept major features of articles

Unicameral Legislature. One vote each state.

Congress would be given the power to collect taxes.

This lead to debate of Rep on basis of population or equally.

COMPRIOMISES

The Connecticut Compromise

This plan was adopted after long debate.

It suggested that the Legislative branch is to have two parts.

1) A House of Representative Based on population All laws would begin in the house.

2) Senate 2 members from each state. Smaller states would be protected in the Senate.

COMPROMISES

Three-fifth Compromise

Debate on how many reps each state should have.

The Southern states wanted slaves counted same as free people.

Did not want enslaved people to be counted for TAXES???

AGREEMENT---------------- 3/5 of the slaves were to be counted for taxes and representation

COMPROMISES

Compromise on Slavery North wanted National Government to have

complete power over the slave trade with other nations. South did not like this, would interfere with trade. Gave congress power to regulate interstate

commerce.

Slavery question was never discussed again Afraid they would lose the southern states.

Agreed that Congress could not ban slavery until 1808.

RATIFYING

They were divided into two groups The federalist---- city dwellers and the coastal

regions. Anti-federalist---- inland farmers.

Anti federalist said the Constitution was done in secrecy. (Patrick Henry “I smell a rat!”) It was extralegal----------- not sanctioned by law. It also lacked a Bill of Rights.

Argued that without one the government could take away human rights.

RATIFYING -- Federalist said that without a strong national government-----------

ANARCHY would triumph.

Also a Bill of Rights was not needed since every state had one.

To gain favor with the Federalist, a Bill of rights was added to the new government.

The ratification of the Constitution also was the birth of Political Parties in the US.

The Anti-federalist Today’s democrats

The Federalist Today’s Republicans

The Constitution is made up of Seven Articles

  Article I Formation of the legislative Branch Created the two houses of Congress   Article II Created the Executive Branch Carry out laws passed by Congress   Article III Establishes the Supreme Court Check for unconstitutional laws and

interpret  

Article IV Explains the relationship of the states to one another

and to the National government.

Article V Spells out the ways that the Constitution can be

amended   Article VI Contains the Supremacy Clause Laws and treaties passed by the Congress shall

be the law of the land.   Article VII Addresses the ratification and the states that the

Constitution would take effect after it was ratified by nine states.