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Creating the United States Constitution: The Foundation of American Government

Explore the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia where the US Constitution was born. Learn about the three branches of government, the Great Compromise, the Bill of Rights, Beard's Thesis, amending the Constitution, and informal changes in government structure.

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Creating the United States Constitution: The Foundation of American Government

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  1. The US Constitution The Origins of Our Government

  2. Constitutional Convention • Where: Philadelphia at Independence Hall • When: Summer of 1787 • Who: 52 Delegates from each of the states, primarily whit, e male landowners • Described as “well bred, well fed, and well read.” • Why: Articles of Confederation were too weak

  3. Three Parts of Government • Called Madison Model • Executive Branch - carry out laws • Legislative Branch - make laws • Judicial Branch - interpret laws • Each branch would have checks and balances over the others to prevent one branch from being too strong. • New plan for government had stronger President than old Articles and new constitution was more powerful than state legislatures.

  4. The Great Compromise • Debate over representation: big states wanted Congress selected by population • small states wanted equal representation in Congress • Great compromise: two house legislature • Senate: two senators for each state • House of Representatives based on population

  5. Debate over slavery • Southern delegates wanted slaves counted in their population (but not to vote) • Northern delegates- some opposed slavery • 3/5ths compromise: slaves counted at 3/5ths of person for purposes of voting for House of Representatives and taxation

  6. Bill of Rights • Federalists wanted strong central government. • Anti federalists feared a strong central government would violate individual rights. • Compromise: Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to the constitution was added to protect individual liberties. • States ratified the Constitution

  7. Beard’s Thesis • Historian wrote an “Economic Interpretation of the Constitution.” • Thesis that Constitution was produced by wealthy property owners who desired stronger government to protect their property rights • Restricted voting to white property owners • No direct elections of president or senators

  8. Adding Amendments • The Constitution can be amended by: • Proposed by 2/3rd vote of both houses of Congress • or proposed by 2/3rds vote of states legislatures at National Convention (never used) • Ratification: 3/4th of state legislatures or Convention with 3/4th of state legislatures

  9. Informal Changes • Congressional Legislation • Presidential Actions and Executive agreements • Judicial Review- US Courts can examine the Constitutionality of a law

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