THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Compromises Federalists v. Anti-Federalists
QUICK REVIEW: FIND SOMEONE WHO Second Continental Congress Drafting of the Articles of Confederation Weaknesses International Relations State to State Relations No Central Authority Shays Rebellion Nearly 1,000 men storm armory led by Daniel Shays National government is helpless Leaders decide to revisit idea of constitution
FAQ S Who: 55 white, male delegates representing 12 states (R.I. did not attend) 40 had attended the Continental Congress George Washington - selected to preside over meeting James Madison Father of Constitution Kept many notes and penned document NOT in attendance: John Adams, Sam Adams, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, or Patrick Henry
FAQ S Where: Independence Hall - Philadelphia, PA *Purpose: Revise the Articles of Confederation Writing the new Constitution was not an originally intended When: May 25, 1787 September 17, 1787 (4 years after Treaty of Paris) Problems: The Convention nearly falls apart several times over intense debates http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_q_and_a.html
THE GREAT COMPROMISE Problem: How will states be represented in Congress? Two Sides: Large states representation based on population Small states equal representation What side would New York be on and why? Compromise: Create a bi-cameral legislature House of Representatives Based on population Lower House Senate Equal representation Upper House 2 senators per state Large States want Small States want Results in a compromise to keep the convention going
THE GREAT COMPROMISE Virginia Plan -Bicameral Legislature -Representation based on population -Executive elected by legislature -Create judicial branch THE GREAT COMPROMISE -Bicameral Legislature -House = Representation based on population -Senate = 2 representatives per state Connecticut Plan New Jersey Plan -Unicameral Legislature -Add Supreme Court -Equal Representation -Supported by small states
THE THREE FIFTHS COMPROMISE Southern States -Wanted slaves to count towards population to increase representation -Did not want to be taxed for slaves SLAVERY -Three fifths of the slave population would count towards representation -Three fifths also counted towards taxation Northern States -Argued slaves should not count towards representation -Argues slaves should count towards taxation -South benefits in the end
EXECUTIVE: PRESIDENT Direct Election -Citizens should vote directly for president (executive) PRESIDENTIAL POWER -Term is set at 4 years -Electoral College (indirect voting) is set up Indirect Election -Not all citizens are educated enough to directly vote -Alexander Hamilton supported this
TARIFFS Southern States -South is agricultural -Does not make manufactured goods -No tariffs on exports or imports TARIFFS -Congress could not tax exports -Congress could tax imports Northern States -Large manufacturers in north want to tax imports -Do not tax exports *protects business
RATIFICATION Two groups form: Federalists Pro central government Anti-Federalists Anti central government Struggle to gain support for ratification
FEDERALISTS Leaders: Alexander Hamilton, George Washington*, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin Arguments: Need for a stronger central government No need for Bill of Rights It would be dangerous to list rights Strategies: Focus on weaknesses of Articles of Confederation Promises Bill of Rights after ratification Above: Alexander Hamilton
FEDERALISTS Advantages: Strong leadership Organization Disadvantages: Many people felt they needed a Bill of Rights The operations of the federal government will be most extensive and important in times of war and danger; those of the State governments, in times of peace and security. James Madison, The Federalist Papers
ANTI-FEDERALISTS Leaders: Patrick Henry, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson Arguments: Strong central government limits democracy Limits state powers Needs a Bill of Rights Strategies: Instill fear of tyranny Remind citizens of Parliament/George III
ANTI-FEDERALISTS Advantages: Natural distrust of central government Taxes, acts, Parliament, King George III Disadvantages: Disorganized Too slow to respond to Federalist Papers The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots The Anti-Federalist Papers
ANTI-FEDERALISTS 1) Articles appeared in NY papers 2) Anonymous authors John Jay Alexander Hamilton James Madison 3) Supported Ratification 4) Influenced those who were undecided to ratify constitution
DISCOURSE IN THIS COURSE Discourse (N) Written or spoken communication or debate Discourse (V) To speak or write authoritatively about a topic Double Entry Journal: 1-Read Passage, excerpts handed out. 2-Write a response or reflection using these elements in your writing. 3-Trade with neighbor, respond to their original commentary.