IV. Constitutional Convention

Objective:

To understand the importance of the Constitutional Convention in shaping Democracy in the United States.

Review:

1. What were several weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

2. What is a Unicameral Legislature?

3. Where is power located in a Confederation?

Primary Source – Alexander Hamilton – Federalist Papers #65

• “If mankind were to resolve to agree in no

institution of government, until

every part of it had been adjusted to the

most exact standard of perfection, society

would soon become a general scene of

anarchy, and the world a desert.”

What did Hamilton mean?

A. New Constitution • May 1787 – Group of delegates met in Philadelphia to revise

the Articles

• Constitutional Convention – Created an entirely new government to replace the Articles

• One of the most important events in world history because of the model it establishes

• Going from no written constitutions in the world to many

• Constitution created is the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world

Meeting of the Constitutional Convention

B. Organization• 55 Delegates – Movers and shakers of the day from all states

except Rhode Island – “Land of the otherwise minded”

• George Washington – Chosen to preside over the convention – “The indispensable man”

• Spoke little but his presence helped make the convention successful

• Convention was held in secret to allow the free exchange of ideas – Nailed windows shut

C. Father of the Constitution

• No stenographer was hired

• James Madison – Kept a daily journal of the events

• Major source of information on the events of the convention - by no means complete