Constitutional Convention Project

AP American History

By: Kara King & Troy Miller

Events and Economic conditions after the Revolutionary War

Economic depression No states south of Pennsylvania abolished

slavery Shay’s Rebellion

Shay’s Rebellion Started in 1786 Hard taxes to pay off the

States war debt made Massachusetts farmers rebel.

Led by Daniel Slay Created panic This made many people

feel that a strong government was needed to control such violent acts

Five Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

1. Disagreement over status of land west of the 13 colonies.

2. The country was suffering deep financial troubles.

3. Congress printed of large amounts of money to finance the Revolution Continentals-led to inflation

4. Took loans from France and Netherlands

5. Plan to give articles power to tax but was stopped by one vote from Rhode Island.

The Constitutional Convention

Where? 53 delegates met in

absolute secrecy in Philadelphia in Independence hall

30 delegates attended every day

When? Summer of 1787

The Purpose? The goal was to revise

the Articles of Confederation

It was quickly decided to replace it

Key people and their contributions to the Constitutional ConventionGeorge Washington President of Convention May 25 and present through signing Supported ratifying the Constitution

Ben Franklin Arrived May 28 and present through

signing Attendant of Pennsylvania

James Madison Arrived may 25 through signing of

Constitution Writing Virginia Plan Kept notes on Constitution that public

would see

Alexander Hamilton Presented through signing May 25 Introduction and defense of the

Hamilton Plan-June 18, 1787 Secretary of Treasury

John Jay Governor of New York Leader of Federalist Party Chief Justice of Supreme Court Abolitionist Did not attend the Convention

Key people and their contributions to the Constitutional Convention Thomas Paine Founding Father of the United States Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Patrick Henry Anti-Federalist Opposed replacement of Articles of

Confederation (endangered individual freedom)

Delegates of the States Represented

George Washington-Virginia

Benjamin Franklin-Pennsylvania

James Madison-Virginia

Alexander Hamilton-New York

John Jay-New York

Thomas Paine-Pennsylvania

Patrick Henry-Virginia

Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey PlanVirginia Plan Supported by big states Bicameral (2 houses) 1-elected by people, 2-elected by

first house # of congress determined by

population

New Jersey Supported by small states Unicameral (1 house) Based on equality Each state same # of

Representatives

The Great Compromise

Bicameral (2 house)

House of Representatives determined by population

Senate (each state has 2)

3/5 Compromise South wanted slaves

to count in population Decided to count 3/5

total number of slaves as population

5 blacks=3 whites (but slaves still couldn’t vote)

Federalist or Anti-Federalist???

Anti-Federalist Without a Bill of Rights in the Constitution,

the individual rights of the people are limited.

If too much power is given to one person, the president, then they may become too powerful and eventually dictate the country.