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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.