“The Bundle of Compromises”

The Constitution

Creating the ConstitutionRespond to the failures of the Articles of

ConfederationJames Madison: “Father of the Constitution”

“Framer of the Constitution”Met in Philly 1787

How to determine representation?Proportionally?Equally?

How to count slaves?Strong central govt or weak central govt?How to keep govt from getting too powerful?Who can tax?

Big Questions

Virginia Plan

NJ Plan

Great Compromise

Congress maintained power + tax and regulate interstate trade

Executive chosen by Congress, but could be removed by majority of state governors

Federal judiciary: single supreme court appointed by the executive

UnicameralBicameralBased on population

Based on population or

amount of $ given to

central government

House of Reps. elected by public

Senate chosen by the House

Judicial: chosen by Congress; power to veto Congress

Executive: chosen by Congress; could veto Congress

national power over states

equal representation

How to deal with slaves?Count as population?

Do not count as population?

Abolish slavery?

Final Decision

Arguments for weak central government?

Arguments for strong central government?

Solution?

Strong or Weak Government

Separate the Powers: Federalism

National govt has powersState govts have powers

Three BranchesLegislative, Executive, Judicial

Balance the PowersSet checks and balances so each branch can

put a break on the others

Two Ways to Control Government

Definition: Governmental powers are divided on a territorial basisNational government has some powers and

responsibilitiesState governments have some powers and

responsibilities.Even local governments have some powers and

responsibilities

Federalism:

National government would have some expressed powers dedicated to it by the Constitution

“Regulate Interstate Commerce”Would also have some implied powers that are not

specifically stated“Necessary & Proper” (or elastic) clause

(build interstate highway system)Also has some inherent powers that all

governments have (Protect the nation from external threats)

National govt also has things denied to itNo power to tax states

Federalism:

Reserved Powers: States get any powers that are not expressly designated to the national govt

Concurrent Powers: Those shared by both the National and State govts.

Federalism

Ratification ( approval)Required approval of 9 statesFederalists= favored ratification (Madison

and Hamilton) Anti-federalists= opposed due to increased

power of the national governmentabsence of the mention of GodDenied states the ability to print moneyLack of bill of rights

Bill of Rights promised – so anti-federalists gave in and signed