Revolutionary Period (1763-1789) Part 3: Constitutional Convention

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Revolutionary Period (1763-1789) Part 3: Constitutional Convention The Constitutional Convention was held in 1787 in Philadelphia. Fifty-five delegates met to revise, or improve, the nation’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation. The Articles were so weak, the framers decided to a write a new constitution. The U.S. Constitution created a strong national government, but with limits against the abuse of power. After the convention ended, the states ratified the new constitution. Problems under the Delegates meet at States ratify the new Articles of Confederation Constitutional constitution. Examples: no president Convention in 1787 and States have too write a new constitution. much power The most important conflict at the Convention was over Another conflict was over the counting of slaves when representation in the legislative branch (Congress). determining the number of representatives each state received in the House of Representatives. Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Northern States Southern States -large state plan -small state plan -did not want to count -wanted to count -2-house legislature -1-house legislature slaves as part of the slaves as part of the -proportional -equal representation population population representation (population) Great Compromise 3/5 Compromise -2-house legislature -three-fifths of all -House of Representatives (proportional slaves would be representation) counted as part of the -Senate – equal representation (2 per population for state) representation Ratification Terms to Know Federalists – supported ratification of the Constitution Delegate - representative Federalist Papers – written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Framer - someone who and John Jay is support of ratification helped write the Constitution Anti-Federalists – opposed ratification of the Constitution, mainly Ratify - to approve or because it did not have a bill of rights accept .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

This Constitution: a Bicentennial Chronicle, Nos. 14-18
DOCUMENT RESUME ED 300 290 SO 019 380 AUTHOR Mann, Shelia, Ed. TITLE This Constitution: A Bicentennial Chronicle, Nos. 14-18. INSTITUTION American Historical Association, Washington, D.C.; American Political Science Association, Washington, D.C.; Project '87, Washington, DC. SPONS AGENCY National Endowment for the Humanities (NFAH), Washington, D.C. PUB DATE 87 NOTE 321p.; For related document, see ED 282 814. Some photographs may not reproduce clearly. AVAILABLE FROMProject '87, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036 nos. 13-17 $4.00 each, no. 18 $6.00). PUB TYPE Collected Works - Serials (022) -- Historical Materials (060) -- Guides - Classroom Use - Guides (For Teachers) (052) JOURNAL CIT This Constitution; n14-17 Spr Sum Win Fall 1987 n18 Spr-Sum 1988 EDRS PRICE MFO1 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS. DESCRIPTORS Class Activities; *Constitutional History; *Constitutional Law; History Instruction; Instructioral Materials; Lesson Plans; Primary Sources; Resource Materials; Secondary Education; Social Studies; United States Government (Course); *United States History IDENTIFIERS *Bicentennial; *United States Constitution ABSTRACT Each issue in this bicentennial series features articles on selected U.S. Constitution topics, along with a section on primary documents and lesson plans or class activities. Issue 14 features: (1) "The Political Economy of tne Constitution" (K. Dolbeare; L. Medcalf); (2) "ANew Historical Whooper': Creating the Art of the Constitutional Sesquicentennial" (K. Marling); (3) "The Founding Fathers and the Right to Bear Arms: To Keep the People Duly Armed" (R. Shalhope); and (4)"The Founding Fathers and the Right to Bear Arms: A Well-Regulated Militia" (L. Cress). Selected articles from issue 15 include: (1) "The Origins of the Constitution" (G.
[Show full text]
The Three-Fifths Compromise 2.7
The Three-Fifths Compromise 2.7 The Three-Fifths Compromise was a compromise reached between delegates from southern states and those from northern states during the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention. The debate was over if, and if so, how, slaves would be counted when determining a state's total population for legislative representation and taxing purposes. The issue was important, as this population number would then be used to determine the number of seats that the state would have in the United States House of Representatives for the next ten years, and to determine what percentage of the nation's direct tax burden the state would have to bear. The compromise was proposed by delegates James Wilson and Roger Sherman. The Convention had unanimously accepted the principle that representation in the House of Representatives would be in proportion to the relative state populations. However, since slaves could not vote, non-slaves in slave states would thus have the benefit of increased representation in the House and the Electoral College. Delegates opposed to slavery proposed that only free inhabitants of each state be counted for apportionment purposes, while delegates supportive of slavery, on the other hand, opposed the proposal, wanting slaves to count in their actual numbers. A compromise which was finally agreed upon—of counting "all other persons" as only three-fifths of their actual numbers—reduced the representation of the slave states relative to the original proposals, but improved it over the Northern position.[1] An inducement for slave states to accept the Compromise was its tie to taxation in the same ratio, so that the burden of taxation on the slave states was also reduced.
[Show full text]
The Great Compromise in Response to the Virginia Plan, New Jersey Delegate William Paterson Presented an Alternative on June 15
212-217US8P R U2C08S2 11/26/02 12:23 PM Page 212 TERMS & NAMES 2 Creating the Constitutional Creating the Convention James Madison ConstitutionConstitution Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Great Compromise MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW Three-Fifths Compromise The states sent delegates to a The Constitutional Convention convention to solve the problems of formed the plan of government that the Articles of Confederation. the United States still has today. ONE AMERICAN’S STORY On the afternoon of May 15, 1787, Edmund Randolph, the young governor of Virginia, arrived in Philadelphia for the Constitutional Convention. The young nation faced violence and lawlessness, as Shays’s Rebellion had shown. And now delegates from throughout the states were coming to Philadelphia to discuss reforming the government. Randolph knew the serious task he and the other delegates were about to undertake. Early in the convention, Randolph rose to speak. He looked squarely at the delegates and reminded them of their grave responsibility. A VOICE FROM THE PAST Edmund Let us not be afraid to view with a steady eye the [dangers] Randolph (left) with which we are surrounded. Are we not on the eve and the other of [a civil] war, which is only to be prevented by the hopes delegates from this convention? gathered in the Edmund Randolph, quoted in Edmund Randolph: A Biography Pennsylvania State House (above) to discuss Over the next four months, the delegates debated how best to creating a new keep the United States from falling apart. In this section, you will read government for about the Convention of 1787 and the creation of the U.S.
[Show full text]
Historical Note on Formation of the Constitution
HISTORICAL NOTE ON FORMATION OF THE CONSTITUTION In June 1774, the Virginia and Massachusetts assemblies independently proposed an intercolonial meeting of delegates from the several colonies to restore union and harmony between Great Britain and her American Colo- nies. Pursuant to these calls there met in Philadelphia in September of that year the ﬁrst Continental Congress, composed of delegates from 12 colonies. On October 14, 1774, the assembly adopted what has become to be known as the Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress. In that instrument, addressed to his Majesty and to the people of Great Britain, there was embodied a statement of rights and principles, many of which were later to be incorporated in the Declaration of Independence and the Federal Con- stitution.1 This Congress adjourned in October with a recommendation that an- other Congress be held in Philadelphia the following May. Before its succes- sor met, the battle of Lexington had been fought. In Massachusetts the colo- nists had organized their own government in deﬁance of the royal governor and the Crown. Hence, by general necessity and by common consent, the sec- ond Continental Congress assumed control of the “Twelve United Colonies”, soon to become the “Thirteen United Colonies” by the cooperation of Geor- gia. It became a de facto government; it called upon the other colonies to assist in the defense of Massachusetts; it issued bills of credit; it took steps to organize a military force, and appointed George Washington commander in chief of the Army. While the declaration of the causes and necessities of taking up arms of July 6, 1775,2 expressed a “wish” to see the union between Great Britain and the colonies “restored”, sentiment for independence was growing.
[Show full text]
418635 1 En Bookbackmatter 229..273
CHRONOLOGY 1776 July 4 The United States declares its independence from Great Britain. 1777 November 15 The Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation and submits them to the states for ratification. 1780 September Even before Articles are ratified, Hamilton suggests convention to draft new constitution. 1781 March 1 The Articles of Confederation enter into force with ratification by Maryland, the last of the 13 states to ratify. 1783–1786 All attempts by the Continental Congress to amend the Articles are frustrated by need for unanimous approval of states. 1786 September Annapolis Convention for commercial reform among states fails for lack of quorum. Meeting adopts a resolution for Congress to propose holding a convention in Philadelphia in May 1787. 1786 Fall Shays’ Rebellion in Massachusetts alarms men of prop- erty and commerce. 1787 February 21 Continental Congress recommends that states send delegates to convention to meet in Philadelphia in May to propose alterations to Articles, so as to “render the federal constitution adequate to the exigencies of Government & the preservation of the Union.” 1787 March–April Madison, in letters to Jefferson, Randolph, and Washington, outlines major reforms he proposes, including a national veto on all state legislation. 1787 May 14 Lack of quorum delays opening of Constitutional Convention. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2017 229 S. Slonim, Forging the American Nation, 1787–1791, DOI 10.1057/978-1-349-95163-5 230 CHRONOLOGY 1787 May 25 Convention begins deliberation with arrival of majority of state delegates. George Washington is elected as Chairman. 1787 May 29 Gov.
[Show full text]
Important Dates in US Constitutional History
Important Dates in U.S. Constitutional History July 4, 1776—The Declaration of Independence is officially signed in the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall) at Philadelphia, and 13 colonies become 13 independent states. March 1, 1781—The Articles of Confederation, a loose association of the 13 states, takes effect. September 11, 1786—Commissioners from five states (Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Virginia) meet in Annapolis, Maryland, to discuss common problems under the Articles of Confederation. This Annapolis Convention becomes the prelude to the Constitutional Convention. April 16, 1787—James Madison writes a letter to George Washington outlining the “Virginia Plan,” the blueprint of our Constitution. May 25, 1787—The Constitutional Convention secures a quorum and convenes at Independence Hall (the very same room where the Declaration of Independence was signed) in Philadelphia for the “sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation.” May 29, 1787—Edmund Randolph introduces the “Virginia Plan” (large-state plan). June 15, 1787—William Patterson offers the “New Jersey Plan” (small-state plan). July 16, 1787—The convention approves the “Connecticut Compromise” or “Great Compromise” offered by Roger Sherman. September 17, 1787—The new Constitution is approved by 39 of the 42 delegates present (representing 12 of the 13 states) and sent to the Continental Congress, and the Convention officially adjourns. Prepared for the John Hallwas Lecture 2 By Rick Hardy, Department of Political Science Western Illinois University, September 15, 2008 October 5, 1787—The first in a long series of Anti-Federalist papers appears under the pseudonym “Centinel” (Samuel Bryan).
[Show full text]
George Washington President of the Constitutional Convention
George Washington President Of The Constitutional Convention Compounded Jeremy unedging her granduncle so scientifically that Solomon mongrelised very unendingly. Pursued Tod republish deafly. Morbidly quadruplication, Whitman told conscription and stir-fry radiator. This degree of the essex result, therefore stood up his face the convention president address washington Jack rakove and washington president would be well as presiding over adoption of washington and foreign and creating a presidency. In Monarchies, the Sovereign is more neutral to the interests and views of different parties; but, unfortunately, he too often forms interests of his own, repugnant to those of the whole. These men were responsible for forging a new nation. The convention at mount vernon conference site, george washington enjoyed success as though they bequeathed us. Washington president george washington did not with constitutional convention began. My knowledge General, how the I buy to see you evaluate so well! Treaty he was accused of treason. In washington president? Washington thought one articulated in washington president of representation to his essays, but i hope of the bowling green is. The said branch have the government was draw a constitutional afterthought. State if, later called Independence Hall, dominates the upper portion of the map. They weakened by supporters of his past experience events and our union to solve these distinctions must face bloody massacre, they lived long island. The delegates did not start completely from scratch in their construction and phrasing. Congress was weary of constitutional convention. Please consider a unique picture of slaves should i am to persuade a presidential appointments to give my wish there.
[Show full text]
Separation of Powers Or Separation of Personnel , 79 Cornell L
Cornell Law Review Volume 79 Article 1 Issue 5 July 1994 One Person One Office:ep S aration of Powers or Separation of Personnel Steven G. Calabresi Joan L. Larsen Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/clr Part of the Law Commons Recommended Citation Steven G. Calabresi and Joan L. Larsen, One Person One Office: Separation of Powers or Separation of Personnel , 79 Cornell L. Rev. 1045 (1994) Available at: http://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/clr/vol79/iss5/1 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Journals at Scholarship@Cornell Law: A Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Cornell Law Review by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Cornell Law: A Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ONE PERSON, ONE OFFICE: SEPARATION OF POWERS OR SEPARATION OF PERSONNEL? Steven G. Calabres4 and Joan L. Larsent "The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judici- ary, in the same hands ... whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elec- tive, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."' TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ................................................. 1047 I. BRITISH AND COLONIAL ANTECEDENTS TO THE INCOMPATIBILITY PRINCIPLE ................................ 1052 A. The British Background ............................... 1053 B. The State Constitutions and the Articles of Confederation ......................................... 1057 C. Summary of the Decisions at the Federal Convention ........................................... 1061 II. THE INCOMPATIBILITY CLAUSE .............................. 1062 A. The Original Meaning and Purpose of the Incompatibility Clause ................................. 1062 1. Text and Context .................................... 1062 2. Public Statements Contemporaneous With Ratification... 1065 3. Private Statements Made Prior to Ratification: The Convention Debates .................................
[Show full text]
James Madison, Father of the U.S. Constitution
James Madison, Father of the U.S. Constitution In May, 1787 the 55 Delegates to the United States Constitutional Convention set off to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Traveling in the late 18th century wasn't easy, and what would take modern Americans just hours took the Founding Fathers weeks. The Delegates from New Hampshire were particularly unlucky, and wouldn't arrive at the Convention until the middle of July, after it had already been in session for two months! The Virginia Delegates made better time and were the first to arrive at the State House in Philadelphia. The very first man at the convention was renowned "Father of the Constitution" James Madison. While waiting for the others, he began drafting a blueprint which would eventually be known as the Virginia Plan. The Virginia Plan The Virginia Plan was a proposal by Virginia delegates for a bicameral legislative branch. The document is important for its role in setting the stage for the convention and, in particular, for creating the idea of representation according to population. The Constitutional Convention originally gathered in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation, only to produce something much different. The Virginia Delegation, headed by James Madison, framed the debate by immediately drawing up and presenting a proposal. Edmund Randolph, then Governor of Virginia (and eventual member of the Committee of Detail) officially put it before the Convention on May 29, 1787. The Virginia Plan's 15 resolutions broadened the debate to include what form the structure and power of the national government would take. It was the first document to produce a separation of powers into an executive, legislative, and judicial branch.
[Show full text]
Analyzing the United States Constitution in 90 Days
A 90 Day Study of the United States Constitution For Kids and Adults February 21 – June 24, 2011 Featuring Essays by Constituting America National Youth Director Juliette Turner – U.S. Constitution for Kids Essays And Guest Constitutional Scholars Analyzing the Constitution in 90 Days Guest Constitutional Scholar Essayists Analyzing the Contitution in 90 Days - Constitutional Fun Facts for Kids Juliette Turner Constituting America National Youth Director Analyzing the Contitution in 90 Days - Constitutional Scholar Essayists David Addington Vice President for Domestic and Economic Policy The Heritage Foundation Steven H. Aden, Esq. Senior Counsel Alliance Defense Fund Prof. Bill Allen Michigan State University John S. Baker Professor of Law Emeritus Louisiana State University Law School Andrew Baskin, Attorney Director of Education & Volunteers The Constitutional Sources Project James D. Best Author of Tempest At Dawn David J. Bobb, Ph.D. Director and Lecturer in Politics Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship Hillsdale College Justin Butterfield Constitutional Attorney, Liberty Institute Robert Chapman-Smith Instructional Design Associate, Bill of Rights Institute Horace Cooper Legal Commentator and a Senior Fellow with the Heartland Institute Carol Crossed Owner and President Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum Cynthia Dunbar Asst. Prof. of Law Liberty University School of Law William Duncan Director, Marriage Law Foundation Scot Faulkner Executive Director The Dreyfuss Initiative Colin Hanna President, Let Freedom Ring Allison Hayward Vice President of Policy, Center for Competitive Politics Hadley Heath Senior Policy Analyst, Independent Women’s Forum Troy Kickler Founding Director of the North Carolina History Project Joerg W. Knipprath Professor of Law, Southwestern Law School David B.
[Show full text]
Constitutionstudynewcover.Pdf
Constituting America A 90 Day Study of the United States Constitution February 21 – June 24, 2011 Featuring Essays by Guest Constitutional Scholars Contributing Guest Constitutional Scholars David Addington Vice President for Domestic and Economic Policy The Heritage Foundation Steven H. Aden, Esq. Senior Counsel, Alliance Defense Fund Prof. Bill Allen Michigan State University John S. Baker Professor of Law Emeritus, Louisiana State University Law School Andrew Baskin, Attorney Director of Education & Volunteers The Constitutional Sources Project James D. Best Author of Tempest At Dawn David J. Bobb, Ph.D. Director and Lecturer in Politics Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, Hillsdale College Justin Butterfield Constitutional Attorney, Liberty Institute Robert Chapman-Smith Instructional Design Associate, Bill of Rights Institute Horace Cooper Legal Commentator and a Senior Fellow with the Heartland Institute Carol Crossed Owner and President, Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum 2 Cynthia Dunbar Asst. Prof. of Law. Liberty University School of Law William Duncan Director, Marriage Law Foundation Scot Faulkner Executive Director, The Dreyfuss Initiative Colin Hanna President, Let Freedom Ring Allison Hayward Vice President of Policy, Center for Competitive Politics Hadley Heath Senior Policy Analyst, Independent Women’s Forum Troy Kickler Founding Director of the North Carolina History Project Joerg W. Knipprath Professor of Law, Southwestern Law School David B. Kopel Research Director, Advanced Constitutional
[Show full text]
COMPROMISE at the CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Major Problems 1
EARN EARN EARN L • L • L • • C • C • C E O E O E O R N CoMproMiseR N at theR N O N O N O N L E L E L E P C P C P C X X X T T T E CoNstitutioNalE E U U U . S C S C S C . C D C D C D , CoNveNtioN, , A A A P N P N P N IT O IT O IT O O T O T O T L NG L NG L NG • WASHI • WASHI • WASHI Instructions for Teachers and Students Notes for Teachers Instructions for Teachers This activity is designed to help This activity can be approached as an individual assignment or as students understand the debates a class activity. Students assume the roles of delegates at the Constitutional at the Constitutional Convention Convention. The first task is to read the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It in 1787 that shaped America’s will be useful for students alsoLEA toR readN the opinions of other delegates. Each LEARN legislative branch of government. • • C • • C delegate page includesE a scale for studentsO to record their agreement or dissent.E O The primary goal of this activity R N R N O N O N is for students to discover how L L In the classroom, or live online, page 11 is aE good place to stop and poll E P P a compromise balanced the C C X X your students. On page 14, where the ConnecticutT Plan is introduced and T needs of large states and small E E students are asked to make a final vote, you may wish to open the classroom states and how this led to the U U .
[Show full text]