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Road to the Constitution

Explore the historic Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia, its key delegates, decisions, and impact on American governance. Learn about the secrecy rule, early decisions, and the need for a new Constitution.

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Road to the Constitution

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  1. Road to the Constitution

  2. The Constitutional Convention • Began in Philadelphia 25 May 1787, 229 years ago at Independence Hall • Most of the 55 delegates were educated lawyers, merchants, college presidents, physicians, generals, governors and planters.

  3. Rhode Island • Only Rhode Island refused to send a delegate, because they did not want a stronger central government

  4. The constitutional Convention • 8 of the delegates signed the Declaration of Independence.

  5. Constitutional ConventionWho was there? • Benjamin Franklin • Eldest delegate at 81 • Famous as a scientist, inventor, writer and diplomat

  6. Constitutional ConventionWho was there? • Invented Bifocals • The Wood Stove • Discovered electricity • Started lending libraries • Launched projects to clean, light and pave streets. • Created the first hospital in Philadelphia

  7. Constitutional ConventionWho was there? • Created the first fire insurance company • Created the first volunteer fire department • Invented swimming fins

  8. Constitutional ConventionWho was there? • 2 would become Presidents • 19 would become Senators • 13 would serve in the House of representatives • 4 would become federal Judges • 4 would become Supreme Court Justices George Washington James Madison

  9. The Presiding DelegateGeorge Washington • Washington advocated a stronger central government. • The Convention’s success was immeasurably influenced by his presence and dignity.

  10. The Presiding DelegateGeorge Washington • In addition Washington warned that if an agreement could not be reached toward an acceptable plan of government, another war could ensue.

  11. Operating Procedures of the Convention • Committee was appointed to set the Rules • 7 states needed to be represented at a minimum • Decisions were to made by majority rule with each state having one vote. - This meant even though there were several delegates to each state, majority rule within each delegation must be adhered to.

  12. Operating Procedures of the Convention • Delegates agreed to keep all discussions secret. • Doors were guarded • No access by the public • Secrecy rule allowed delegates to speak freely • No formal records of the convention were kept

  13. Need for a New Constitution • Congress was given the task of revising the Articles of Confederation • They decided to discard the Articles and come up with a new Constitution • As a result it became known as the • CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

  14. Early decisions of the Constitutional Convention • George Washington made the presiding authority • No meetings unless at least 7 states are present • Majority Rule • Each state had 1 vote • Decisions were to be kept secret • Discard the Articles of Confederation • Write a new Constitution

  15. Essay • If you had been a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, would you have voted in favor of the secrecy rule? • Support your answer. • Why? Or why not?

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