U.S Constitution

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States.

James Madison

Known as the 'Father of the Constitution' for advocating a stronger and unified government and helping write the Federalist Papers.

Constitutional Convention

A 1787 meeting held in Philadelphia where the Constitution was created.

Framers

The group of 55 delegates from 12 states who attended the Constitutional Convention.

George Washington

Led the Constitutional Convention and was referred to as the 'First among Equals'.

Virginia Plan

Proposed by James Madison, it called for a bicameral legislature based on state population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposed by William Paterson, it called for a unicameral legislature with one vote per state.

Great Compromise

Proposed by Roger Sherman, it established a bicameral legislature with one house based on population and one house with equal representation.

three-fifths Compromise

Agreement that allowed southern states to count three-fifths of their slave population for representation.

Federalists

Supporters of ratification of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who demanded a Bill of Rights.

Ratification

The process by which the Constitution was formally approved and went into effect in 1789.

Benjamin Franklin

Oldest delegate at the convention who encouraged compromise and famously stated, 'A republic if you can keep it.'