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The Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention. “I am mortified beyond expression that in the moment of our acknowledged independence we should by our conduct…render ourselves ridiculous…in the eyes of all Europe. We are fast verging to anarchy and confusion.” -George Washington. This Meeting Had Better Start!.

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The Constitutional Convention

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  1. The Constitutional Convention • “I am mortified beyond expression that in the moment of our acknowledged independence we should by our conduct…render ourselves ridiculous…in the eyes of all Europe. We are fast verging to anarchy and confusion.” • -George Washington

  2. This Meeting Had Better Start! • Confederation Congress requested a National Convention to be assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787 for the purpose of revising/amendingthe Articles • States nominated their delegates • Each state had varying numbers of reps • Each state to have 1 vote in meetings regardless of # of reps

  3. A Meeting of the MindsWho were these guys?? George Washington Virginia Delegate General Landowner James Madison Virginia Delegate Lawyer Arrived 2 weeks early Benjamin Franklin Pennsylvania Delegate Scientist Philosopher Alexander Hamilton Economist/ Political Philosopher Called for convention

  4. Who wasn’t there??? Thomas Jefferson Serving as Representative In France Called this a meeting of “demi-gods” John Adams Serving as Representative in London

  5. Other Noticeable Absences • Patrick Henry • Refused a position as a delegate • “I smell a rat – and it smells like monarchy” • State of Rhode Island refused to send delegates • “Rogue Island”

  6. Politics?? • Politics is defined for our purposes by Webster’s Dictionary as, “the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy” • Was politics already in use in 1787??

  7. Federalists • Federalists • Believed in the need for a strong national government • Key in the call for creating new governance • Famous Federalists: John Adams, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton

  8. Anti-Federalists • Believed that a strong national government would trample on states’ sovereignty and individuals rights • Against movement to eradicate A of C • Famous Anti-Federalists: Patrick Henry, George Mason, Sam Adams

  9. Pennsylvania State HouseIndependence Hall • Site of preparation of Declaration of Independence • Centrally located in the 13 States • Site of Revolutionary Government at various times

  10. Proceedings of the Convention • Selection of President • This person would serve as presiding officer of the Committee of the Whole • Who would you select? Washington Presides Over Constitutional Convention

  11. Do we need to elect anyone else? • Should there be a secretary? • William Jackson • Born 1759 • Cumberland, England • Revolutionary soldier • Lawyer • Took notes of proceedings & votes at Convention

  12. Is it time to get down to business? • Life-size representations of delegates at the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA

  13. What’s next • Should we decide on the rules of the meetings?? • What would be good rules to establish to conduct our meeting? • Is secrecy important? • WHY????

  14. Logistics of the Convention • # 1 Rule: Secrecy • Considered important so that the delegates could voice their opinions in the open, yet change their minds • Notes on proceedings would be kept, but not made public

  15. More Rules? • Rule #2 – Continued debate • No issue would be considered final • This was viewed as an important point • Allowed any point to be re-opened for debate

  16. Did they need to concentrate? • All shades were kept drawn for maximum privacy • Hay was strewn on the cobblestone streets surrounding the Hall to reduce the noise

  17. When did the Convention begin? • May 14, 1787 • Date set to begin meeting • May 25, 1787 • Date that quorum was finally reached to begin proceedings

  18. Now your work begins… • Each state delegation will convene in the computer lab • Use the worksheet provided for each state to catalog information about the delegates representing your state. • Use only the site:

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