AP Gov - 1.5 Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Constitutional Convention (1787)

Held in Philadelphia to address Articles of Confederation weaknesses, leading to an entirely new system of government.

George Washington's role at the Convention

Presided over the Constitutional Convention.

James Madison's nickname

"Father of the Constitution" due to his major contributions.

Alexander Hamilton's early stance

Supported a strong national government and later became a major Federalist.

Benjamin Franklin's role

Important delegate who helped encourage compromise during the convention.

Virginia Plan

Proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population, favoring large states.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation (one vote per state), favoring small states.

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature combining population-based representation (House) and equal representation (Senate).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for legislative representation and taxation.

Electoral College

System where voters choose electors who formally select the president, avoiding a direct popular vote.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who wanted a stronger national government and argued checks and balances would prevent tyranny.

Anti-Federalists

Critics who feared a powerful national government and demanded the addition of a Bill of Rights.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay written to encourage ratification in New York.

Federalist No. 10

Written by James Madison; argues that a large republic makes it difficult for any single faction to dominate.

Federalist No. 51

Written by James Madison; explains how separation of powers and checks and balances prevent government branches from becoming too powerful.

Ratification requirement

9 of the 13 states had to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791 to protect individual liberties.

First Amendment

Protects religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Provides due process and protections for people accused of crimes.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the rights of criminal defendants.

Eighth Amendment

Protects against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.