Creating a Creating a RepublicRepublic

Part 2Part 2

A Grand ConventionA Grand Convention

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 one

time America’s largest city and former

capital.

City Hall is on the left of this 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 James MadisonMadison

A crucial A crucial delegate to delegate to

the the Constitutional Constitutional Convention Convention

Madison – Delegate from VirginiaMadison – Delegate from Virginia

Read and studied before the Read and studied before the convention.convention.

Waited eagerly for delegates to arrive. Waited eagerly for delegates to arrive. Took a seat close to the front so he Took a seat close to the front so he

could see all of the action.could see all of the action. Kept Kept clear and conciseclear and concise notes of what notes of what

happened.happened. Wanted an Wanted an accurate recordaccurate record kept for kept for

future generations.future generations.

The Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall.

Site of the Constitutional Convention.

The Convention BeginsThe Convention Begins

All states except All states except Rhode Island Rhode Island sent delegates.sent delegates.

Delegates Delegates wanted to wanted to keep keep their talks their talks secretsecret, so the , so the doors and doors and windows were windows were closedclosed..

George Washington’s desk and chair.

The windows and doors were shut and locked at Independence Hall.

Two Plans EmergeTwo Plans EmergeThe The Virginia Virginia PlanPlan which which favored the favored the big states.big states.

The The New New Jersey Jersey PlanPlan which which favored the favored the smaller smaller states.states.

The Virginia PlanThe Virginia Plan Called for a strong national Called for a strong national

government with government with 3 branches—3 branches—executive, legislative, and judicialexecutive, legislative, and judicial..

The legislature would be divided into The legislature would be divided into two housestwo houses with representatives with representatives based on based on populationpopulation..

Under the Articles of Confederation, Under the Articles of Confederation, each state each state had been given 1 vote had been given 1 vote no matter their sizeno matter their size..

The New Jersey PlanThe New Jersey Plan

Also called for a federal government Also called for a federal government with with 3 branches—legislative, 3 branches—legislative, executive, and judicialexecutive, and judicial..

The legislature would have The legislature would have only 1 only 1 househouse, and , and every state would every state would receive 1 votereceive 1 vote..

Small states felt they would always Small states felt they would always get out-votedget out-voted if it wasn’t this way. if it wasn’t this way.

The Virginia Plan

Branches

Three - legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature was more powerful, as it chose people to serve in the executive and judicial branches.

Legislature

Two houses (bicameral). The House of Representatives was elected by the people and the Senate was elected by the state legislatures. Both were represented proportionally.

OtherPowers

The legislature could regulate interstate trade, strike down laws deemed unconstitutional and use armed forces to enforce laws.

The New Jersey Plan

Branches

Three - legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislature appoints people to serve in the executive branch, and the executive branch selects the justices of the Supreme Court.

Legislature

One house (unicameral). States would be represented equally, so all states had the same power.

OtherPowers

The national government could levy taxes and import duties, regulate trade, and state laws would be subordinate to laws passed by the national legislature

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.

Although not Although not popular with all popular with all delegates, the delegates, the

Great Great Compromise may Compromise may have saved the have saved the Constitutional Constitutional Convention of Convention of

1787.1787.

The Great CompromiseThe Great Compromise Have the 3 Branches of Government.Have the 3 Branches of Government. Divide the legislative branch in two.Divide the legislative branch in two. The lower house will be called the The lower house will be called the

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESHOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and and will be will be based on populationbased on population..

The upper house will be called the The upper house will be called the SENATESENATE, and , and all states will receive all states will receive two votestwo 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.