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The Constitutional Convention Philadelphia, 1787 The Constitutional Convention Philadelphia, 1787 Federalist versus Anti-Federalist: The Debate over the Bill of Rights Conflict Between Large States and Small States SMALL states thought U.S. should have the same number of representatives (equal representation) They put forth the New Jersey Plan, which called for one house of Congress, with each state getting one vote Conflict Between Large States and Small States LARGE states argued that if a state had more people, it should have more representatives in Congress (proportional representation) James Madison put forth the Virginia Plan, which called for two houses of Congress (both based on population) The Great Compromise A special committee was formed. Their solution, suggested by Benjamin Franklin, became known as the Great Compromise. (also called the Connecticut Compromise). The compromise passed by only 1 vote. 3 Parts of the Great Compromise 1. Congress would have 2 houses – the Senate and the House of Representatives. 2. The House of Representatives would be elected on the basis of proportional representation (population). 3. The Senate would be elected on the basis of equal representation. Conflict Between Northern States and Southern States The Southern states used slave labor. The Northern states used mainly free labor and was a center for trade with other nations. Both sides disagreed on protective tariffs (taxes on products imported from other nations which increase their cost) and slavery. The Three-Fifths Compromise Compromise-Each side gives up something in return for something it wanted. In exchange for allowing Congress the power to control trade, Northerners compromised on the question of slavery. They agreed that the national government would not interfere with the slave trade until at least 1808. Northern and Southern states also agreed that each slave was to be counted as three-fifths of a person for population and representation purposes, as well as taxation purposes. The North also agreed to add a fugitive slave clause to the new Constitution. Federalist versus Anti-Federalist The Debate over the Bill of Rights The Constitution had to be ratified by 9 of the 13 states before it could become law Federalists were people who supported the Constitution Anti-Federalists were people who fought against the Constitution The Federalist Cause They wrote a series of articles in support of the Constitution for a New York newspaper These articles are now called the Federalist Papers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay The Anti-Federalist Cause Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry Many of these men had attended the Constitutional Convention, but refused to sign the document Patrick Henry became the leading voice in opposition to a strong national government 3 Basic Questions 1. Whether the new Constitution would maintain a republican form of government 2. Whether the national government would have too much power 3. Whether a Bill of Rights was needed in the Constitution ANTI-FEDERALIST VS. FEDERALIST Republican government can not A large republic with checks and agree on what is best for balances better than a small one common welfare National government too far Would gain loyalty and support National government too much Would have more power but constitution protects states power Bill of rights not needed because No Bill of Rights Government powers are limited A compromise was reached on the issue of the Bill of Rights. The Federalists made this compromise to get enough support for the Constitution to be ratified. The addition of a Bill of Rights was a victory for the Anti-federalists. It was an important addition and has been protecting the basic rights of American people ever since. Venn Diagram pg 64 December 7, 1787. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution. Ratifying the U.S. Constitution was not an easy task. The Federalists and Antifederalists were bitterly divided over the issue. Rhode Island—the last state to ratify the Constitution—did not do so until May 29, 1790..
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