Constitutional ConventionMay-September, 1787

Student Objective: Students should understand the importance of compromise

in the constitutional convention

Why the need for new government?

Articles proved too weak.• Lack of ability to regulate trade and raise an

army Shay’s Rebellion

• Homes were being foreclosed on in western Massachusetts so thousands rebelled against the local court houses

• Federal government couldn’t do anything to stop it

A Convention of Demigods Constitutional Convention pushed by commerce

control money 1786 Virginia called convention on Commerce-

nobody came• Decided to meet in 1787 in Philadelphia

Purpose to revise the Articles of Confederation All but Rhode Island came 55 delegates May 25, 1787, held in secrecy Most lawyers who helped develop state constitutions Washington-President, Franklin, Madison- Father of the

Constitution, Hamilton-wanted strong central government

Left out- Jefferson, Henry, Adams, Paine, Hancock All upper class, 19 owned slaves Sought to curb unrestrained democracy

Compromise Large State Plan (Virginia)

• Three branches of government• Checks and balances• Both houses of congress elected by population

Small State Plan (New Jersey)• Equal representation in a single house congress

3/5th compromise Great Compromise

• House of Representatives and Senate• Executive branch, checks and balances• Electoral college• Slave trade-no decision until 1807