The U.S. Constitution

1. The U.S. Constitution A Living Document

2. Georgia Delegates • Georgia sent 4 delegates to the Constitutional Convention: • William Pierce • William Houstoun • William Few • Abraham Baldwin • Only William Few and Abraham Baldwin signed

3. A Strong Central Government • Because of the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, it was decided that the United States needed a strong National Government.

4. Three Branches of Government • The Constitution created a government with three branches: Executive, Legislative, Judicial. • They each have different powers and responsibilities. • A plan of checks and balances is part of the Constitution and prevents any branch from overpowering the others. • An example of checks and balances is when the legislative branch vetoes a Presidential action.

5. The Great Compromise • States with large populations wanted the number of representatives in the Legislative Branch to be based on population. • States with smaller populations wanted each state to have the same number of representatives. • The vote of Georgia delegate Abraham Baldwin created a tie between the states which led to the Great Compromise.

6. The Great Compromise (page 2) • The Great Compromise led to a bicameral legislature. • Representation in the Senate would be the same number, two, from each state. • Representation in House of Representatives would be based on population.

7. Federal System • The Constitution gives specific powers to the national government and specific powers to the state governments. • This is called a Federal System. • The national and state governments also share powers. • National Powers – defense, foreign relations • State Powers – creation of cities and counties • Shared Powers – roads and taxes

8. Ratification • The Constitution was ratified, approved, on September 17, 1787. • Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the Constitution.