Creating a Republic

1. Creating a Republic Part 2 A Grand Convention

2. Philadelphia has a rich history, as it was at one time America’s largest city and former capital.

3. Originally the delegates were only going to fix the Articles of Confederation. They ended up creating a whole new constitution. The work they were able to accomplish, became known as “The Miracle at Philadelphia”. It truly was!!!

4. Madison – Delegate from Virginia • Read and studied before the convention. • Waited eagerly for delegates to arrive. • Took a seat close to the front so he could see all of the action. • Kept clear and concise notes of what happened. • Wanted an accurate record kept for future generations.

5. The Convention Begins • All states except Rhode Island sent delegates. • Delegates wanted to keep their talks secret, so the doors and windows were closed.

6. The Virginia Plan which favored the big states. The New Jersey Plan which favored the smaller states. Two Plans Emerge

7. The Virginia Plan • Called for a strong national government with 3 branches—executive, legislative, and judicial. • The legislature would be divided into two houses with representatives based on population. • Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had been given 1 vote no matter their size.

8. The New Jersey Plan • Also called for a federal government with 3 branches—legislative, executive, and judicial. • The legislature would have only 1 house, and every state would receive 1 vote. • Small states felt they would always get out-voted if it wasn’t this way.

9. There is a great debate between the delegates of both large and small states. Large states argue that because they have more people, they should have more representation. Smaller states respond by saying their interests will never be listened to. Roger Sherman of Connecticut comes up with a compromise.

10. The Great Compromise • Have the 3 Branches of Government. • Divide the legislative branch in two. • The lower house will be called the House of Representatives and will be based on population. • The upper house will be called the Senate, and all states will receive two votes.

12. The delegates narrowly approved the Great Compromise. Next they dealt with the 3/5 Compromise. It was agreed that 3/5 of slaves in any state could be counted for taxation and representation. The slave trade was also allowed to continue.

13. Other issues were discussed, like the length of a presidential term and how to organize the court system. Not all were happy with the document, and some left the convention, vowing to defeat the Constitution. On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was ready. One by one, the remaining delegates came forward to sign the document.