Topic 3.8 - The Constitutional Convention (copy)

1785 Alexandria Conference

Delegates from VA and MD met in Alexandria, Virginia to discuss trade arguments on the Potomac River; it decided to invite all states in 1786 to discuss trade disputes in all states

1786 Annapolis Convention

A meeting held in Annapolis, Maryland in September 1786 to consider problems of trade and navigation, attended by five states and important because it issued the call to Congress and the states for what became the Constitutional Convention.

Philadelphia Convention

12 colonies sent delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation. The delegates soon agree the United States needs a new Constitution

Virginia Plan

New Constitution proposal which called for representation based on population in both houses of a bicameral Congress. The plan favored the larger and higher populated states. The Constitution would also have an executive and judicial branch.

New Jersey Plan

New Constitution proposal which would have given each state one vote in a unicameral Congress. The plan favored smaller states with a lower population. The Constitution would also have an executive and judicial branch.

The Great Compromise

Compromise made by Constitutional Convention in which states would have equal representation in one house of the legislature and representation based on population in the other house.

Connecticut Compromise

Another name for the Great Compromise?

Slave Trade Compromise

Congress could not regulate the slave trade until 1808; in 1808 the international slave trade would cease.

3/5ths Compromise

Agreement providing that enslaved persons would count as ______ of other persons in determining representation in Congress.

Commercial Compromise

Allowed Congress to regulate interstate commerce yet prohibits (prevents) any taxation of exports.

Exports are goods leaving the United States of America.

Remember! The U.S. government CAN tax imports…this is a what a TARIFF is.

Electoral College

The body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-president.

Alexander Hamilton

He came up with the idea for an "electoral college" to elect the president of the United States.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption.

Federalist Papers

A collection of 85 articles written to defend and advocate the ratification of the new Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
James Madison

Authors of the Federalist Papers

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the new Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption.

Anti-Federalist Papers

a series of essays written to counter and defeat the proposed U.S. Constitution

Melancton Smith
Richard Henry Lee

Authors of the Anti-Federalist Papers

1788

The date that the new Constitution was considered "ratified" because 9 of the 13 states had accepted it.

New York

What state were the Federalist Papers the most widely read and important to influence the view of the people toward ratifying the new Constitution?