Transcript Ch 5_2 Drafting the Constitution
Ch. 5.2 Drafting the Constitution
MAIN IDEA At the Philadelphia convention in 1787, delegates reject the Articles of Confederation and create a new constitution.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW
The constitutional convention formed the plan the government that the U.S. still has today.
Shay’s Rebellion
• Proved weakness of A.o.Confederation.
• 1786-1787, Daniel Shay organizes farmers.
-Farmers are losing farms.
• G. Washington calls for a stronger central government.
Call for Convention
• 5 states send delegates to meeting on interstate trade (1786).
• • After Shay’s Rebellion 12 states to join.
James Madison
of VA.
-Father of the Constitution -Central Government made up of three branches.
-Executive, Judicial, and Legislative.
What Happen?
• May 1787, 55 delegates meet at Pennsylvania State House.
-Windows shut to prevent eavesdropping.
• Washington elected presiding officer.
Virginia Plan
• James Madison’s, Bicameral Legislature -Two houses, a lower and an upper house.
Based on each state’s population.
-Benefitted large states.
New Jersey Plan
• William Paterson’s Plan -Single house Congress.
-One vote per state.
-Benefitted smaller states.
The Great Compromise
• Roger Sherman’s Bicameral Congress.
• Senate- giving each state equal representation. • House of Representatives-representation by population.
• Representation.
-Northern states, slaves for taxes not house.
-Southern states, slaves for house not taxes.
Three-Fifths Compromise
• Proposed that three-fifths of a state’s slaves be counted for representation.
• Congress power to regulate foreign trade.
• Cannot interfere with slave trade for 20 years.
Federalism
• Division of power between national and state government.
• Has delegated or enumerated powers.
-Handles foreign affairs, defense, interstate trade, and money.
State Powers
• Called reserved powers.
-Handles education, marriage laws, trade within state.
• Shared powers include right to tax, borrow money, and establish courts.