Creating the Constitution

Presentation on theme: "Creating the Constitution"— Presentation transcript:

1 Creating the Constitution
Constitutional Convention 1787

2 Challenge Government that protects people’s rights Government that can be controlled Convention Philadelphia, 1787 George Washington - president Secret discussions

3 Virginia Plan 3 branches legislature – make laws executive – enforce laws judiciary – interpret laws Legislature – 2 houses Representation - based on population Benefits large states

4 New Jersey Plan Legislature – 1 house Representation – equal representation

5 Great Compromise How should the states be represented in the Congress? Legislature – 2 houses Senate – equal representation House of Representatives – based on population

6 Three-Fifths Compromise
How should slaves be counted as part of the state’s population? South: Population – yes Taxation - no North: Population – no Taxation – yes

7 3/5 slave population taxes & representation
Ban slave trade 1808

8 Electoral College How should the President be elected? Federal Power Supporters - president be selected by the national legislature State’s Rights Supporters - direct election by the people Compromise - have electors chosen by the various state legislatures elect the president.

9 Ratifying the Constitution
Federalism – gov’t power shared between federal gov’t & states Federalists James Madison Alexander Hamilton John Jay

10 Ideas Supported Strong central government
Favored ratification of Constitution No Bill of Rights needed – powers of government limited

11 Publications The Federalist Papers - essays which argued support for the Constitution / ratification

12 Anti-Federalists Patrick Henry, George Mason, Richard Henry Lee

13 Ideas Supported States Rights Opposed ratification of Constitution
Must have Bill of Rights

14 Publications Anti-Federalist Writings - argued against the Constitution

15 Ratification Bill of Rights 1791 ratified
June 1788 – 9 states ratified Virginia & New York ratified but demanded bill of rights Bill of Rights 10 Amendments 1791 ratified