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Ch. 5-2 DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION

Ch. 5-2 DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION. American History. THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 1786—Conditions in America very bad. Rebellions were breaking out across the country George Washington and James Madison organized a meeting in Annapolis, MD to discuss the situation in the country.

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Ch. 5-2 DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION

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  1. Ch. 5-2 DRAFTING THE CONSTITUTION American History

  2. THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION • 1786—Conditions in America very bad. Rebellions were breaking out across the country • George Washington and James Madison organized a meeting in Annapolis, MD to discuss the situation in the country. • A HISTORIC MEETING • May 25, 1787—Meeting in Philadelphia, PA called “The Constitutional Convention” • All states take part except Rhode Island (they opposed a stronger central government)

  3. The Delegates • Delegates to the convention would be called “Framers of the Constitution” • Best Account of the convention kept by James Madison • Delegates were all men, age range 30s & 40s • Youngest: Jonathon Dayton (NJ-26) • Oldest: Ben Franklin (PA-81) • Delegates were well-educated • Many were lawyers and about half went to college • Many had served in the Revolution • Many were wealthy

  4. CONTROVERSIAL PLANS • Most difficult issue was finding a balance between small states and large states. • VIRGINIA PLAN – Written by James Madison, presented by Edmund Randolph • Bicameral legislature-voters would choose lower house, lower house would select members of the upper house • Representation would be in proportion to each states population • National government would have authority to make states follow its laws.

  5. CONTROVERSIAL PLANS • NEW JERSEY PLAN—William Paterson (NJ) • Unicameral legislation • Each state would have equal representation • Plural executive (1, 2, or 3 people) • Executive would appoint members of the Supreme Court

  6. COMPROMISES AT THE CONVENTION • THE GREAT COMPROMISE • Connecticut delegates propose compromise • Legislature would be composed of 2 houses • Lower house would be based on state population (House of Representatives) • Upper house – each state would have equal representation (Senate) • (chart p. 153) • Slavery – 3/5 Compromise – Slaves counted as 3/5 of a free person for representation and taxation

  7. OTHER QUESTIONS • Who should choose the executive? • Who should be eligible to be President? • Who can declare war? • What should the term of office be for President and Vice President? • Can a president be removed from office? • Who can be a member of Congress? How old should they be? • Should voters be required to own property? • Should government officials belong to a certain religion?

  8. CHECKS AND BALANCES • BALANCING POWERS • (see chart p. 155) • PLANNING THE COURT SYSTEM • Delegates wanted to keep the courts independent to maintain separation of powers. • FINAL DECISIONS • Committee on Style worked out the final draft • “We the People of the United States…” • When it came to signing Ben Franklin urged delegate to “act heartily and unanimously” • 39 delegates from 12 states signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787

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