Our first NATIONAL GOVERNMENT was called (and was run/organized by) the ___________ of ____________.

Government officials realized after Shays’ Rebellion that a change was needed

A convention of representatives from each state were called to Philadelphia in 1787

The STATE HOUSE IN PHILADELPHIASITE OF THE CONVENTION

INSIDE OF STATE HOUSE (TODAY)NOW CALLED INDEPENDENCE HALL

There were 74 men asked to come to Philadelphia but only 55 delegates arrived in Philadelphia

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

The average age of a delegate was 42 years old

JONATHAN DAYTON (New Jersey) was the youngest at age 26

BEN FRANKLIN (Pennsylvania) was the oldest at age 81

Most had some experience as politicians in their home states

40 of the delegates had been members of the Continental Congress

34 of the 55 were lawyers

Also included soldiers, planters, educators, ministers, physicians, financiers, and merchants

Most were very wealthy and many owned slaves

All the delegates were white men

None of the delegates were African-Americans, Hispanic, women, poor

A total of 12 states sent delegates to the convention

Rhode Island is the only state that refused to send any delegates

Delegates had to make a choice:

1)Fix the Articles of Confederation

2) Write a new form of government

The delegates decided to write a new plan of government

Challenge was to create a strong national government but one that would not overpowering

The Constitutional Convention was held in the summer of _________ in the city of _________________.PHILADELPHIA

1787

INDEPENDENCE HALL - PHILADELPHIA

NATIONAL ARCHIVES –WASHINGTON DC

HOME OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTIONTODAY

There were ____ delegates at the Constitutional Convention.

55

_________________ read more than 100 books in preparation for the convention.

JAMES MADISON

______________________ and _______________ were not at the convention because they were overseas at the time.

THOMAS JEFFERSONJOHN ADAMS

__________________ refused to attend the convention because he “smelled a rat” leading toward monarchy.

PATRICK HENRY

__________________________ came out of retirement for the convention.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

________________ was a famous scientist and statesman, gave wit and wisdom to the convention.

BEN FRANKLIN

_________________ is known as the “Father of the Constitution” and took detailed notes.

JAMES MADISON

______________________________ was chosen as president of the convention.

GEORGEWASHINGTON