Constitutional Convention, Round 1

1. Constitutional Convention, Round 1

2. Shays’ Rebellion and the Need for Change

3. Shays’ Rebellion and the Need for Change • Under the Articles of Confederation, the national Congress had the ability to print money. This money: • Became worthless due to inflation during the Revolution. • States started printing own money to counteract the national currency • Several different types of currency (money) became available, but no one knew the exact value of any of it (although no one thought it was worth much)

4. Massachusetts Farmers Rebel • Money shortages were especially hard on farmers who could not make enough to pay for taxes or debts. • Many were ordered to sell land and livestock to pay back debts • Led by a Bunker Hill hero, Daniel Shays, farmers protested at court houses and seized the national arsenal of weapons at Springfield. • Shays’ Rebellion was disbanded by the state militia….BUT:

5. A Call for Convention • Shays’ Rebellion shocked Congress into calling for a convention to consider “the situation of the United States”. • Many believed that Shays’ Rebellion showed that the national government was powerless and ineffective • Delegates of all 13 states were invited to meet in Philadelphia in May, 1787 for the “soul purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation”

6. Opening the Constitutional Convention

7. Opening the Constitutional Convention • Delegates met in Philadelphia on May 25 to begin discussing making changes to the Articles of Confederation. • It was so hot at Independence Hall, that some believed even the slightest movement was painful • George Washington was elected as president of the convention (leader of the group)

8. The Delegates • 55 delegates from 12 states joined the convention. • Rhode Island, which prided itself on its independence, did not attend the convention • Key figures of the American Revolution were also missing: • John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (out of town) • Sam Adams (beer convention) • John Hancock and Patrick Henry (feared strong central govt’)

9. The Delegates, Continued • Most delegates were “well-bred, well-fed, well-read, and well-wed” • The average age was 42, lawyers or had other political experience, and owned slaves. • Benjamin Franklin was the oldest of all the delegates and was carried in on a thrown by prisoners each day. • Thomas Jefferson believed that the delegates of the convention were “an assembly of demi-gods”.

10. The Father of the Constitution • The best prepared of the “godlike” figures was James Madison of Virginia. • Madison took the lead in the convention and was eventually labeled the “Father of the Constitution”. • Madison spoke more than 200 times during the Convention and when he wasn’t speaking he was taking notes. • His notes totaled over 600 pages

11. The Rule of Secrecy • Outside of the convention, no one knew what was happening. • Delegates wanted to be able to express their opinions openly without causing alarm or opposition to the general public. • All agreed to keep their work secret until the convention ended. • During the convention, not a single word was published in newspapers about what was going on

12. Shared Beliefs and Clashing Views • Commonalities: • All believed in protecting the rights of “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness” as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. • All believed in the “consent of the governed” • Delegates agreed that the best way to have a strong nation was through a republic, or country governed by elected representatives.

13. Shared Beliefs and Clashing Views, Continued • Differences: • Not everyone agreed on who should have a say in the representative government: • Men? White, land-owning? • Women? (In New Jersey, women could vote) • Slaves? • Delegates disagreed on how much power the national government should have • Some believed that a too powerful gov’t would threaten individual liberty • Others believed that a too weak gov’t would hurt the U.S.

14. Issue: How Should States Be Represented in the New Government?

15. Issue: How Should States Be Represented in the New Government? • At the beginning of the convention, most delegates believed they would be revising the Articles of Confederation…but: • The Virginia delegation suggested, and others agreed, to throw away the Articles and create an entirely new plan of government. • The framers or constitutional delegates, were divided on a key issue: • Where should the government’s power to rule come from? • The States? • The People?

16. The Virginia Plan • Called for strong national government • Three Branches: • Legislative Branch (Congress, make laws) • Made of two houses or bicameral, based on population • Executive (execute or carry out laws) • Judicial (courts, apply & interpret laws) • Large states favored the Virginia Plan • Key support came from Virginia and Pennsylvania • Supporters believed that having the new government represent people- they would have more power in Congress

17. The New Jersey Plan • Delegates from small states disliked the Virginia Plan. • Before the delegates could vote, William Paterson of New Jersey introduced an alternative proposal • Also wanted three branches…but: • Wanted a unicameral legislature, 1 house • States would have equal representation, regardless of population

18. POP QUIZ! Directions: On your own paper, answer the following questions: • Why were the Articles of Confederation weak? • Who led a revolt against justices in Massachusetts? • When/Where was the Constitutional Convention held? • Who is considered the “Father of the Constitution?” • Which plan favored large states and offered a two-house legislature?