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Constitutional Convention. COMPROMISES FEDERALIST V. ANTIFEDERALIST. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION. 1787-Need for stronger federal government 55 delegates went to Philadelphia
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Constitutional Convention COMPROMISES FEDERALIST V. ANTIFEDERALIST
CONSTITUTIONALCONVENTION • 1787-Need for stronger federal government • 55 delegates went to Philadelphia Most were educated-lawyers, doctors, military leaders with political experience
CONSTITUTIONALCONVENTION • Established rules for convention • Decisions made with majority vote • Discussions were kept secret-delegates were able to speak freely without worrying about public reaction. • No formal records of the convention were kept
COMPROMISESHow to create the government? The Virginia Plan - three branches of government (executive, judicial, legislative) Bicameral (two house) legislature-both houses would be represented by population The New Jersey Plan- three branches of government Unicameral Legislature- one vote per state
COMPROMISES Compromise: The Great Compromise Three branches of government Bicameral legislature Senate and House of Representative. Equal Representation in the Senate Representation based on population in the House Roger Sherman’s plan
COMPROMISESHow to count the population? • Three-Fifths Compromise • Debate over how to calculate the population • Southerners wanted to count slaves into the total population • Northerners opposed the idea • Delegates agreed that every 5 slaves were counted as 3 free persons
COMPROMISES • THE COMMERCE AND TRADE COMPROMISE • States agreed that Congress would regulate trade between states as well as with other countries • Congress could not tax exports but could collect taxes • Congress had the right to settle disputes between states • The central government would be responsible for printing all money
COMPROMISESHow the president would be elected? • ELECTORAL COLLEGE • Some delegates thought Congress should choose President • Others believed people should vote to decide the presidency • Compromise: a group of people would be named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president
CONSTITUTION • “IT’S A PLAN, BUT NOT A STRAITJACKET, FLEXIBLE AND SHORT.” Harry S. Truman
CONSTITUTION • Framework for the U.S. government • Supreme authority in the nation • Symbol of our nation • System of Government • Beliefs and Ideals • Freedom and Liberty
PREAMBLE • Introduction to the Constitution • Purpose of the Document • VERY clear that the power resides with the people “We the people of the United States….do ordain and established this Constitution for the United States of America.” Phttp://www.school-house-rock.com/Prea.html
PREAMBLE • Six Purposes of the Government “ To form a more perfect union” “To establish Justice” “To ensure domestic Tranquility” “To provide for the Common Defense” “To promote the general Welfare” “To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”
THE ARTICLES • Article I- The Legislative Branch • Article II- The Executive Branch • Article III-The Judicial Branch • Articles IV-VII
AMENDMENTS • Changes to the Constitution • Twenty-Seven Amendments • First Ten Amendments know as the Bill of Rights • Anti-Federalist pushed for the addition of a Bill of Rights
Amendment Process DIFFICULT • Outlines in Article V Proposal Congressional Action 2/3 vote of the members of Congress National Convention Requested by 2/3 of state legislatures
Amendment Process • THREE-FOURTHS (3/4) of states must ratify (approve/pass) the amendment • Vote by the state legislature • Special state convention
Interpreting the Constitution • Written in very GENERAL terms “The Necessary and Proper Clause” Congress has the power to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper to carry out its duties. Exercise powers not specifically listed IMPLIED POWERS Loose vs. Strict Interpretation
Interpreting the Constitution • Supreme Court has final authority over Constitution • Interpretation through court decision