Introduction to the Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention

Unit 5

Multiple Choice

What is a document that states how a government will operate?

• Legislature

• Constitution

• Article

• Confederation

Multiple Choice

What is a group of people who make laws known as?

• Executive

• Legislature

• Judicial

• Trend Setters

Multiple Choice

What is the title of a person who runs a government and sees that the laws are carried out?

• Executive

• Legislature

• Judicial

• Boss Man

Multiple Choice

What was the name of the first Constitution in U.S. history?

• U.S. Constitution

• Mayflower Compact

• Articles of Confederation

• Magna Carta

Multiple Choice

What event was led by a group of angry farmers from Massachusetts?

• Pontiacs Rebellion

• King Williams War

• Bacons Rebellon

• Shays Rebellion

Successes of the Articles of Confederation

• Land Ordinance of 1785

• Northwest Ordiance of 1787

• 
  

• 
  

Articles of Confederation

• Created during the War in 1777

• All states had a single vote and had most of the power

• Nine had to agree for a law to be created

• In order to raise funds, Congress had to ask the states for money...could not tax people.

Articles of Confederation

• Could deal with foreign nations and Native Americans

• Declare War

• Coin/borrow money

• Run a postal service

Shays Rebellion

MA farmers were having land seized bc they couldn't pay taxes.

Many were soldiers awaiting payment.

Was put down quickly...but scared many powerful citizens

The Constitutional Convention

Multiple Choice

T/F: The Constitutional Convention was called with the sole purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation?

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

When did the Constitutional Convention take place?

• Winter 1777

• Summer 1787

• Fall 1788

• Spring 1790

Multiple Select

Which of the following (more than one) did the delegates decide upon as they began discussions?

• Keep debates secret

• Keep windows shut tight

• Sleep in the Convention Hall

• Only order room service for meals

Multiple Choice

55 delegates from 12 states attended the Convention. Which state did not send any representation?

• Delaware

• Connecticut

• Rhode Island

• Georgia

As the Convention Began...

• Washington was elected president of the convention NOT of the country.

• Alexander Hamilton (32) and James Madison (36) were two young but important delegates in attendance.

There were many topics that led to arguments among the delegates...

But the first one was about Congress

How are we going to determine representation among states?

The Virginia Plan

Proposed by Edmund Randolph (written by Madison)

Wanted a new and strong central government.

Called for three separate branches of government.

The Virginia Plan (Branches of Gov't)

• Legislative Branch = Congress (law makers - would change from one house to two houses)

• Executive Branch = Leader (President, carry out laws)

• Judicial Branch = System of courts (interpret laws)

Multiple Select

Which of the following were arguments against the VA Plan?

• How many people would serve as an executive?

• Do the people or gov't officials elect legislatures?

• Does the capitol move to Virginia?

• Is representation based on population or not?

IMPORTANT

Representation in Congress being based on population nearly drove the delegates apart for good early on.

New Jersey Plan

Counter Proposal

The New Jersey Plan

Proposed by William Patterson

Called for equal representation for each state (single house w/one vote per state)

Expanded the power of Congress to raise money and regulate trade.

Arguments Against the New Jersey Plan

• The larger states felt that they were at a disadvantage now and that the small states had more power.

Multiple Choice

Which plan called for a one house Congress?

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

Multiple Choice

Which plan called for representation to be based on population?

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

Multiple Choice

Which plan was proposed by Edmund Randolph although it was mostly written by James Madison?

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

Multiple Choice

Which plan was favored by the smaller states?

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan

Multiple Choice

Which plan proposed having three branches of government?

• Virginia Plan

• New Jersey Plan