The Constitution of the United States

of America

The Conventionand a

Basic Introduction toConstitutional Principles

SWBAT1) Describe the two compromises regarding the issue of slavery. 2) Describe and explain the role of each of the Three Branches of

the US government.3) Explain principles of Checks and Balances and give examples of

how each branch is affected by the others.4) Discuss how the Constitution

a) Prevents a Tyrannyb) Restrains a Mob

Articles of Confederation

• Insufficient

• Designed to prevent a national tyranny, but what about in a state?

Convention to discuss changes to the Articles of Confederation

• Philadelphia• Opens May 25, 1787• George Washington was

elected to be President of the convention

• AoC unfixable, a new constitution needed

• Secret talks

Guiding Principles of the Convention

• Prevent a tyrant.• Restrain the mob.Why are either bad?

Main Points to consider Fixing

• Currently– Strong States and a weak national

government

– No dedicated funding for national government

• Major disagreements at National level: – Representation– Slavery – its very existence

First Suggested Plan

Virginia Plan (Big State Plan)• Three Branches

1. Bicameral (Two House) Legislature• Representation by population

– Lower House elected by the people– Upper House to be elected by

Lower House.

• Power to tax, regulate trade (commerce), make laws

2. Executive3. Judiciary

Second Plan

• New Jersey Plan (Little State Plan)

• Three Branches– Unicameral (One House)

Legislature– One vote each state

• Power to tax and regulate trade

Compare VA & NJ Plans

The Great Compromise

• Debate Impasse until compromise• Legislature = Bicameral– House of Representatives: 1 Representative per 40,000

residents in each state– Senate: 2 Senators, elected by the state governments

Slavery

• How would slaves be represented?– Southern states – Northern states

• Southern States Ultimatum

1st Compromises over Slavery

• The Three-Fifths Compromise

2nd Compromises over Slavery

• Importation of slaves• 1808

Memorizing the Preamble

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUXXpPFRkdg&feature=related three year old

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yx5d3haRG7M Barney Fife

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZMmPWTwTHc I am just a Bill

TCI Activity

• Working in groups of 2 or 3 students• Given a – copy of the Constitution– 25 Questions– an Answer Matrix with some guidance, • Write the answers to

the questions onto the Matrix, making a statement of the Question/Answer in a complete sentence.

1.1

4. Reps Can IMPEACH President9. Sen TRIES the President8. Sen APPROVES treaties12. OVERRIDE President’s veto. Controls the Budget

16. VETO bills

22. Can declare laws unconsitutional

. Can IMPEACH Justices

. Confirms Presidential appointments

25. Chief Justice presides over impeachment.. Cannot be fired for political reasons. Can declare Presidential Acts unconstitutional

18. Appoints Justices

Three Branches