U N I T 2

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

LESSON 9 PAGES 67-72

How was the Philadelphia Convention organized?

• Objective: Describe the organizing phase of the Philadelphia Convention. Explain the significance of rules and agendas for effective civil discussion.

Who attended the Philadelphia Convention?

• 55 delegates- “Framers of the Constitution”

• Constitutional Convention

• Ranged in age: 26-81 (avg. of 42)

• ¾ of delegates served in their state legislatures. All were important in Revolution.

• Each state has ONE vote.

Who attended the Philadelphia Convention?

• George Washington: • Most respected and honored. • Convinced that the US needed a strong central gov’t. • Unanimously elected President of the Convention• Supported the Constitution. • Essential to success of convention.

Who attended the Philadelphia Convention?

• James Madison:• Greatest influence- organization of national government • Commitment to freedom of religion. • “Father of the Constitution”

Who attended the Philadelphia Convention?

• Benjamin Franklin:• 81 years old• Internationally respected. • Aura of wisdom.

• Alexander Hamilton:• Washington’s aid during Revolution• Huge support of strong national gov’t.

Who attended the Philadelphia Convention?

• James Wilson:• Pennsylvania• Major influence: office of the president

• Edmund Randolph:• VA’s Governor• Introduced the VA Plan• Refused to sign final document, but did vote for ratification.

• Roger Sherman: • Connecticut Compromise (the Great Compromise)• Helped to shape federalism in the Constitution

What important founders did not attend the convention?

• Thomas Jefferson- in Paris at the time. US Foreign Minister to France. • John Adams- ambassador to Great Britain• Patrick Henry- Revolutionary leader. Refused to

attend– “I smell a rat.” Opposed a strong national government.

• Rhode Island refused to send delegates. Did not want a strong national gov’t.

What rules did the delegates adopt for the convention?

1. Delegates from at least 7 states had to be present each day to conduct business.

2. If a delegate’s absence would leave that state without representation, they had to get permission to be absent.

3. When rising to speak- delegate must address the president. Other delegates could not talk, pass notes, read books etc.

4. Can only speak twice on each question. Everyone gets a turn first!

What rules did the delegates adopt for the convention?

5. Committees could be appointed as necessary.

6. Any decision made could be reviewed. No decision was final until entire plan was completed.

7. Convention had to be secret!

James Madison took notes!

What rules did the delegates adopt for the convention?

• Rules established a bases for civil discourse.

• Secrecy- allowed for free exchange, real opinions, better chance of ratification if the people didn’t know about the arguments during the convention.

What was the Virginia Plan?

• Madison wrote it. Edmund Randolph presented it.• Strong national gov’t• Nat’l gov’t- makes laws• Collects taxes • Citizens governed under Nat’l and state gov’t• 3 branches: legislative, judicial and executive. • Congress: bicameral• House of Representatives: elected by the people• Picked by the House from persons nominated by state

legislatures.

• Proportional Representation• Law regulating trade between the states.

FINISHING UP!

Reflection on Learning: 1. Write two things that you

learned. 2. Write one thing that you

already knew. 3. Write one thing that you want

to know more about.