Creating the Constitution

1. Creating the Constitution Chapter 5 Pp. 110-132

2. Getting Organized • Purpose was to strengthen the central government. • Kept secret to limit outside pressure. • Some were afraid a national government would abuse power. Independence Hall Philadelphia, PA

3. Madison’s Plan • Virginia Plan (Madison) – 2 house legislature, based on population. James Madison

4. Sharing Power • New Jersey Plan (Paterson) – 1 house legislature, equal representation. Small states liked it. William Paterson

5. Reaching Compromise • Delegates agreed – national govt. needed, power divided between 3 branches, limit govt. power • Great Compromise (Sherman)– 2 house legislature, 1 based on population, 1 has 2 senators from each state. President gets executive power.

6. Executive and Judicial Branches • Supreme Court would interpret laws and settle conflicts among states • All eligible citizens can vote, but Electoral College selects President Gabriel Duvall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

7. The Signing • A committee put the Constitution in its final form • The 39 delegates signed it on 9/17/1787

8. Questions • The Constitutional Convention gathered to do what? • Strengthen the central government

9. Questions • The Virginia Plan proposed what? • Three branches of government

10. Questions • Many delegates were afraid that a strong national government might do what? • Abuse power

11. Questions • Small states like the New Jersey Plan because it called for • Equal votes for each state

12. Questions • The delegates decided which powers would be • Kept by the states, shared by the state and national governments, and given to the national government.