creating the constitution. the weak articles by mid-1780’s, two schools of thought have emerged…...
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Creating the Constitution
The Weak Articles• By mid-1780’s, two
schools of thought have emerged…– Articles are okay… can
be slightly revised/amended.•Afraid that “freedom” and “democratic gains” would be lost with a stronger federal government.
•Supported by Henry, Adams, Clinton
– Articles are not doing the job•Need stronger national government
•More prestige; power•Supported by Jay, Hamilton, Madison
• Congress realizes there is an immediate need for a stronger national government following Shays’ Rebellion
Starting From Scratch• May 1787 –
Convention is called with the intent to suggest changes to the Articles.– Led by Alexander
Hamilton– Immediately decide
to draw up a new document.•Property holders and wealthy are largest supporting group.–Want strong nation to protect their wealth and other interests.
Constitutional Convention• Never before or after will
there be as many strong political talents in the same room.– An assembly of “demi-
gods.”•Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Dickinson
– 55 delegates from 12 states (Rhode Island)
• George Washington selected as President of the Convention.– Believe is that if
Washington is there, there will be no undermining the Revolution.
• Convention will meet in secrecy behind closed doors; then release the document.– Who’s not there?
•John Jay, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry
Changes to Legislative Branch
• Debate breaks down between large states (NY, VA) and small states (MD, NJ)– New Jersey Plan
•Desire Unicameral Congress–1 state = 1 vote–Much like Articles
– Virginia Plan•Desire Bicameral Congress–Representation should be based on population.
• Almost give up compromising several times.
Changes to Legislative Branch cont…
• Connecticut Compromise or Great Compromise–Upper House
(Senate) has two representatives from each state.
– Lower House (House of Representatives) has representatives based on population.
Changes to Executive Branch
• Desired one individual as chief–King?
President?•Electoral College–Did not want
people to have direct vote
– Too much democracy = mob rule
The Issue of Slavery• Southern states
wanted slaves counted as population.– Not fair to North.– 3/5 Compromise
•Slave counts as 3/5 of a person in terms of population totals.
• Slave Trade Compromise– Foreign slave trade can
be outlawed in 20 years.•Will be abolished in
1808.
Establishment of Federalism• Federalism
– Power is split between the national and state governments.
• Reserved Powers– Powers explicitly left to states
• Delegated Powers– Powers given to national government
Ratification• Decision is made
that if 9 of 13 states approve, it should go into effect.
• Anti-Federalists–Against
Constitution• Federalists– For Constitution– Federalist Papers
•Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote series of papers in New York supporting the Constitution.
Ratification continued….• Every state is supposed
to call a convention to vote for or against.
• Critics of Constitution argue there are no guarantees of personal rights.– Will only support if a
Bill of Rights is added•Jefferson, Mason were very insistent.
• Mid 1788 – Constitution is ratified– All states ultimately
approve• 1791 – Bill of Rights is
added.