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Constitutional Convention: The Birth of the Constitution

Explore the fascinating journey of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where 55 delegates came together to write a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. Witness the debates, compromises, and the fight for ratification.

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Constitutional Convention: The Birth of the Constitution

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  1. Imagine…. Hot weather… Widows closed shut from flies and to keep away eavesdroppers… tension… 50 men all speaking at once…. Each with an opinion and interests to protect…. From May 25, 1787-September Welcome to the Constitutional Convention!

  2. Meet the Framers! • In 1787, 12/13 states sent delegates [all except Rhode Island] to Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. • Out of 74 chosen delegates, only 55 showed up! • Thomas Jefferson, who wasn’t there, later said that this was “an assembly of demi-gods” • The delegates at the Convention were called Framers.

  3. Rules at the beginning of the Convention • The Convention could only conduct any new business if a majority of the states (at least 7) were present. • Each State delegation was to have ONE vote on all matters. • Majority of the votes would carry any proposal. • Total meeting time: 92 out of the 116 days from May 25-September 17. • Most of the work done together: little in committees

  4. May 30 they announce: “Resolved,… that a national Government ought to be established consisting of a supreme Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary.” ---Edmund Randolph, Delegate from VA They all agreed…. And so the NEW purpose of the convention was to: WRITE A NEW CONSTITUTION TO REPLACE THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

  5. The Virginia Plan Three branches of government Bicameral legislature “National Executive” and “National Judiciary” The New Jersey Plan Unicameral Congress Equal representation for States of different sizes More than one federal executive TWO Different Constitutional Plans OFFERED 1 2 3 5 Chapter 2, Section 4

  6. Constitutional Compromises • The Connecticut Compromise/Great Compromise • Delegates agreed on a bicameral (two houses) Congress, the smaller segment with equal representation for States, and the larger segment with representation proportionate to the States’ populations. The Three-Fifths CompromiseCompromise • The Framers decided to count a slave as three-fifths of a person when determining the population of a State. • The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise • Congress was forbidden from taxing exported goods, and was not allowed to act on the slave trade for 20 years. 1 2 3 5 Chapter 2, Section 4

  7. Fight for Ratification Under the Articles, any changed need all 13 states' approval… Since the constitution was to replace, not amend the Articles of Confederation…. The framers determined that: “The ratification of the conventions of nine states shall be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same.” ---Article VIII September 28, 1787…Sent copies of Constitution to all the states.

  8. The Federalists and Anti-Federalists The Constitution was very controversial at first, with some groups supporting it, and others attacking it. • Anti-Federalistsobjected to the Constitution • Federalistsargued for the ratification of the Constitution. 1 2 3 4 Chapter 2, Section 5

  9. #1 argument against the Constitution: lack of a bill of rights • Something that would protect people’s basic rights like freedom of speech, press, and religion. • Patrick Henry said: “I look on that paper as the most fatal plan that could possibly be conceived to enslave a free people.” • Federalists promised to amend Constitution and add bill of rights

  10. The Constitution is Ratified • Nine States ratified the Constitution by June 21, 1788, but the new government needed the ratification of the large States like New York and Virginia. • Without these two states, the biggest of the 13, government had no hope to succeed and needed their support • Great debates were held in both States, with Virginia ratifying the Constitution June 25, 1788. • Supporters of the Constitution still wanted New York’s support so they published the Federalist Papers. They were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay 1 2 3 4 Chapter 2, Section 5

  11. Inaugurating the Government • September 13, 1788: 11 out of 13 states approved it • New York City named as temporary capital • The new Congress met for the first time on March 4, 1789. • Congress finally attained a quorum(majority) on April 6 and counted the electoral votes. Congress found that George Washington had been unanimously elected President. He was inaugurated on April 30 as 1st President of the United States! 1 2 3 4 Chapter 2, Section 5

  12. Section 5 Review 1. The debate over the ratification of the Constitution was won by the • (a) Anti-Federalists. • (b) Whigs. • (c) Federalists. • (d) Tories. 2. The temporary capital of the United States where Congress met in 1789 was • (a) Washington, D.C. • (b) Philadelphia. • (c) New York. • (d) Mount Vernon. Want to connect to the Magruder’s link for this section? Click Here! 1 2 3 4 Chapter 2, Section 5

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