The Constitutional Convention of 1787: Crafting a Strong Government for a New Nation

1. The Constitutional Convention By: Brooklin Stapleton & Anna Holley Period: 3rd

2. The Constitutional Convention • The Constitutional Convention took place in Philadelphia's State House, which is now called Independence Hall in May of 1787.

3. The Constitutional Convention • 12 states sent 55 delegates, but only Rhode Island refused to send any. • The oldest delegate at the convention was Benjamin Franklin, and Jonathon Dayton was the youngest.

4. Delegates At The Convention • Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island

5. The Constitutional Convention • George Washington was part of the Virginia delegation and was soon elected president of the whole convention.

6. The Constitutional Convention • There were no women, African Americans, or American Indians as delegates. • Most delegates wanted a strong, national government to replace the Articles of Confederation, but they wanted to protect the people’s political authority. • There for, the delegates looked to federalism.

7. The Constitutional Convention • The federal government has power to enforce its laws. • The Constitution has 3 branches of government.

8. 3 Branches of Government • Legislative Branch- Made of congress. • Executive Branch- Made up of the president and the departments that help run the government. • Judicial Branch- Made up of all the national courts. They’re responsible for interpreting laws.

9. The Constitutional Convention • The president has the power to reject laws that congress passed, but congress can over power the presidents rejected law with a 2/3 majority vote.

10. The Constitutional Convention • The delegates knew that the Constitution was not a perfect document, but they believed they found a strong government. • The long and difficult debates lasted 16 weeks. • Finally on September 17, 1787, they signed the final draft!!

11. Quotes • “This Constitution and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof and all treaties made for which shall be made under the authority of the United States shall be the Supreme Law of the Land and the judges in every state shall be bound thereby anything in the Constitution or Laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding.” -The Constitution of The United States

12. Quotes (cont.) • “Our federal government is, but a name; a mere shadow without substance (meaning)” -Rhode Island Representatives (written to the Congress)

13. Conclusion • The Constitutional Convention met in May, 1787 at Philadelphia. It took 5 months, but the Constitution was finally signed on September 17, 1787. Georgia, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Hampshire delegates were all at the Convention, but the only state not present was Rhode Island. They held the Convention because most political leaders wanted to change the Articles of Confederation. The Convention was a success and The Articles of Confederation was changed. During the Convention, George Washington was elected president of the Convention, then soon elected the first president of the United States.