It was decided that delegates from the different states would meet during the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia.

It was decided that delegates from the different states would meet during the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has a rich history, as it was at one time America s largest city and former capital.

City Hall is in the center of the picture. Until the 1980 s, there was somewhat of an unwritten rule that no building should be taller than the statue of William Penn on city hall.

Carpenter s Hall Meeting place of the First Continental Congress Framework of Ben Franklin s home, one of the most famous founding fathers, and leading citizen of Philadelphia.

Originally the delegates were only going to fix the Articles of Confederation. They ended up creating a whole new constitution. The work they were able to accomplish, became known as The Miracle at Philadelphia. It truly was!!!

James Madison The Father of the Constitution

Read and studied before the convention and was the leader of the Virginia Plan. Waited eagerly for delegates to arrive. Took a seat close to the front so he could see all of the action. Kept clear and concise notes of what happened. Wanted an accurate record kept for future generations.

The Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. Site of the Constitutional Convention.

All states except Rhode Island sent delegates. Delegates wanted to keep their talks secret, so the doors and windows were closed.

George Washington s desk and chair. The windows and doors were shut and locked at Independence Hall. Madison had to convince George Washington to come to the Convention. Washington was important to the Constitutional Convention because once he decided to come, it convinced others to come too.

The Virginia Plan which favored the big states. The New Jersey Plan which favored the smaller states.

Called for a strong national government with 3 branches executive, legislative, and judicial. The legislature would be divided into two houses with representatives based on population. Under the Articles of Confederation, each state had been given 1 vote no matter their size.

Also called for a federal government with 3 branches legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature would have only 1 house, and every state would receive 1 vote. Small states felt they would always get out-voted if it wasn t this way.

There is a great debate between the delegates of both large and small states. Large states argue that because they have more people, they should have more representation. Smaller states respond by saying their interests will never be listened to. Roger Sherman of Connecticut comes up with a compromise.

Have the 3 Branches of Government. Divide the legislative branch in two. The lower house will be called the House of Representatives and will be based on population. The upper house will be called the Senate, and all states will receive two votes.

The delegates narrowly approved the Great Compromise. Next they dealt with the 3/5 Compromise. It was agreed that 3/5 of slaves in any state could be counted for taxation and representation. The slave trade was also allowed to continue.

Other issues were discussed, like the length of a presidential term and how to organize the court system. Not all were happy with the document, and some left the convention, vowing to defeat the Constitution. On September 17, 1787, the Constitution was ready. One by one, the remaining delegates came forward to sign the document.