Notes (9/9)

To-Do List:

Constitutional Convention

  • Gentlemen in Philadelphia

    • James Madison

    • George Washington

    • Alexander Hamilton

  • NO media Coverage

Representation in Congress

  • Virginia Plan (James Madison)

    • 3-Branch govt. with a bicameral legislature

    • Larger states had more representation in both chambers

  • New Jersey Plan

Compromises

  • Great Connecticut

    • Bicameral (two house) legislature

    • Lower House (House of Representatives) - elected directly by citizens based on population

    • Upper House (Senate) - selected by state legislature, 2 per state

  • Three/Fifths Compromise

    • An agreement to count slaves as 3/5th of a person in calculating a states representation - how does this link to the Great Compromise

The Madisonian System

  • Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

  • Masses have INDIRECT control of government - remember the Founder’s fear of pure/direct democracy

The Legislative Branch

  • Congress - purpose is to make laws

  • More power than unicameral legislature under Articles of Confederation

  • Enumerated/ Expressed Powers: authority

The Executive Branch

  • Single Executive

  • 4-year term

  • Carry out laws made by Congress

  • Most powers shared with Congress to prevent tyranny

  • Selected by Electoral College - indirectly elected by the people

The Judicial Branch

  • System of federal court -

Ratification

  • Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists (Factions)

    • Federalists: supported the new constitution + strong centered govt.

    • Anti- Federalists: Opposed the new constitution

  • Federalist Papers - Madison

    • Advocated for a large government

    • Madison argued people are self-interested, putting their needs above the nation

    • Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

  • Alexander Hamilton defended the necessity based on the energy required to be a stable leader