Drafting a New Constitution The Constitutional Convention Franklin at Constitutional Convention 1787 Convention Begins Amending the Articles Delegates originally came to revise Articles of Confederation Eventually they abandoned the Articles and started fresh. All agreed on ideas of Limited and representative government 3 branches of government Limit certain state powers Create a stronger national government Plans for Constitution The Virginia Plan Drafted by James Madison (Father of Constitution) Plan based on 3 Principles 1. Strong Legislature with two chambers (bicameral) Lower chamber chosen by the people Upper chamber chosen by the lower Number of seats in Congress was based on Population 2. Strong National Executive Chosen by the legislature 3. National Judiciary Chosen by legislature Plans for Constitution New Jersey Plan Counter plan from smaller states Wanted to keep features of Articles Unicameral Congress 1 vote per state Grow Congressional powers (tax, regulate trade) Weak Executive power Connecticut Compromise Congress was at Gridlock over two plans Committee headed by Roger Sherman (Conn.) designed a compromise. Plan 1. House of Representatives based on population 2. Senate 2 members per state (equal representation) Why would the Connecticut Compromise make larger states and smaller states happy? More Compromise Three-Fifths Compromise 1/3 of population of South was enslaved African Americans South wanted slaves to count in population, but not in taxes North wanted slaves to count in taxes, but not population Settlement 3/5 of enslaved persons counted for both The Slavery Question Many Northern States were beginning to outlaw slavery Constitution did not address slavery Delegates knew that Southern States would not accept constitution if it interfered with slavery Ratifying the Constitution Federalists Support from cities and coastal regions Argued need for strong national government Federalist Papers 80 essays to supports Promised a Bill of Rights Anti-Federalists Support from inland farmers and laborers Wanted a Bill of Rights