Warm Up 1 Explain how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to Shays Rebellion: 2 What was the primary concern of soldier/farmers who supported Daniel Shays? 3 Explain how Shays Rebellion led to the need for a new Constitution in the U.S.A.:
The Constitutional Convention
New Government Needed I. Shay s Rebellion demonstrated the serious problems with the A of C A. No power to tax, no standing army, no chief executive B. An army of farmers in Massachusetts nearly overthrew the American government II. The new nation is very close to failure in its infancy III. Calls for a new government grew louder as the American people realized the failures of the A of C
Annapolis Convention I. A of C are ineffective II. Annapolis Convention called in 1786 A. Only five states show up B. Representatives agree the USA must strengthening the national government III. Shay s Rebellion convinces the other 8 colonies that change is needed!!!
Strengthening the National Government I. 1787 12 States sent delegates to Philadelphia, PA to fix the A of C A. Rhode Island did not go they did not want a stronger central government II. This meeting became known as the Constitutional Convention A. The USA will get rid of the ineffective A of C and put in place a new stronger government
The Constitutional Convention I. May 25, 1787 II. Met in Independence Hall à Philadelphia, PA III. The delegates A. 55 well-educated & intelligent men B. Lawyers, merchants, college presidents, doctors, generals, governors, and planters with considerable political experience
Procedures of the Convention I. George Washington was elected to preside over the convention (boss) II. Each state was only allowed one vote III. Majority votes from all states made decisions à 7 out of 13 IV. All discussions were a secret! Why? A. This way the delegates could speak freely, without worry about how the public would react
The End of the A of C I. Articles of Confederation were thrown away II. The delegates decided to write a completely new constitution A. Constitution = plan of government (how to manual)
Constitutional Conflict I. Discussions began on how to structure the newly created government for the U.S.A. II. Monarchy, Democracy, Republic, Oligarchy & Aristocracy were all proposed and discussed III. The majority of delegates agreed that a republic was the best decision but disagreed on the structure & function of the government
Representation I. The major disagreement between states was the issue of representation (power/control) in the new national government I. Big States A. Though it was unfair that states with less people have the same pull as large states. B. If you have more people you get more say. I. Small States A. We all are equal states and parts of this republic we should have the same amount of say on the federal level.
Two Opposing Plans VS. Virginia vs. New Jersey
Constitutional Convention I. Virginia Plan (Edmund Randolph) A. 3 Branches of government (Legislative, Executive & Judicial) B. Bicameral (two house/part) legislative branch C. Lower house elected by people & Upper house elected by lower house D. Seats in both determined by state population size E. Executive chosen by legislature & serves a single term F. National judiciary is chosen by legislature and serves life terms G. Supported by large states (more people = more votes = more power
Constitutional Convention I. New Jersey Plan (William Paterson) A. 3 Branches of government (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) B. Unicameral (one house/part) legislative branch C. Each state gets equal representation D. Legislature elects executive E. Executive selects national judiciary F. Supported by small states (everyone is equal = won t be controlled by large states)
Constitutional Convention I. Connecticut Compromise or Great Compromise (Roger Sherman) A. 3 Branches of government (Legislative, Executive & Judicial) B. Bicameral (two house/part) legislative branch i. One house based on equal representation (small states) ii. One house based on state populations (large states) C. Large and small states are satisfied that their power is protected
The Connecticut Plan I.Lower House A. House of Representatives B. Determined by population C. 2 year terms D. Favored larger states II.Upper House A. Senate B. Equal representation C. 6 year terms D. Favored smaller states
Constitutional Convention I. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention decided that population would determine how many representatives states received in the lower house A. More people = more representative B. More representatives = more power II. That in turn raised the question as to who should count as part of the population III. Particularly the issue of should slaves count as part of a state s population A. Southern states à want slaves to count à more representatives à more power B. Northern states à don t want slaves to count à southerners don t treat them like people à don t want southern states to have more power
Three-Fifths Compromise I. Slaves would be counted as 3/5 of a person when determining how much representation a state got for Congress
Constitutional Convention I. The Great Compromise created a national executive (POTUS) II. The Constitutional Convention now needs to determine how the U.S.A. should elect this president A. Some delegates believe Congress should select the president B. Some delegates believe the people should elect the president III. The two sides compromised and created the Electoral College A. States are given votes based on population (# of representatives + senators = votes for president) B. People vote in state elections and select people who vote for president (keeps the people from electing an idiot as president)
Finished Constitution I. September 17, 1787, finished up the Constitution II. Delegates signed it, said the Constitution would become the law of the land when I. 9 out of 13 states ratified (approved) it