Constitutional Convention Notes

Overview of the Constitutional Convention and the New Constitution

  • Context and Purpose
    • Examination of the year 1786 within the AP US History curriculum.
    • Prior video discussion focused on the Articles of Confederation and their failure.
    • Analysis of how the failure of the Articles led to the formation of a new constitution through the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
The Constitutional Convention

  • Main Question:

    • What were the differing ideological positions on the structure and function of the newly conceived federal government?

  • Historical Background:

    • In response to Shay's Rebellion, 55 delegates from various states convened in Philadelphia in 1787.
    • Purpose: to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

  • Initial Debate:

    • Whether to amend the existing constitution or create a new one entirely.
    • Influential figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton advocated for drafting a new constitution to provide greater federal power.
Proposals for Representation

  • Virginia Plan:

    • Proposed a strong centralized government with a bicameral legislature (two houses).
    • Representation based on state populations, benefiting larger states.
    • Example: Virginia as a large population state favored this plan.

  • New Jersey Plan:

    • Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

  • Analogy for Representation Debate:

    • Scenario of three families deciding where to eat, illustrating the struggle between majority (Families A and B) and minority (Family C) opinions.
    • Majority (A and B) would control decisions if votes were equal, pushing the preference towards their choice, which is untenable for Family C due to population advantage.
The Great Compromise
  • Resolution of Representation Debate:
    • Creation of a bicameral legislature:
    • House of Representatives: based on population.
    • Senate: equal representation (2 votes per state).
Representation of Enslaved People

  • Debate Between Slave and Free States:

    • Main issue: Should enslaved individuals count towards representation?
    • Southern states wanted them counted for representation; Northern states opposed this due to moral concerns about slavery.

  • Three-Fifths Compromise:

    • Agreement allowing three-fifths of the enslaved population to be counted for representation and taxation purposes.
    • This was simultaneously with efforts to outlaw slavery in the Northwest Territory.
Structure of Federal Representation
  • Election Procedures:
    • House of Representatives: members elected directly by the people for two-year terms.
    • Senate: members chosen by state legislatures for six-year terms.
    • Presidential elections governed by the Electoral College.
    • Reasoning behind the Electoral College: desire to have a small group of qualified electors decide the presidency rather than direct public vote.
Ratification of the Constitution

  • Requirement for Ratification:

    • New Constitution needed approval from nine out of thirteen states.

  • Emergence of Two Political Factions:

    • Federalists: Advocates of the new Constitution, primarily urban and commercial interests.
    • Pumped out numerous essays (Federalist Papers) via Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, arguing for ratification.
    • Anti-Federalists: Opponents of the Constitution, fearing it granted too much power to the central government at the expense of states' rights.
    • Highlighted the lack of a Bill of Rights (protections for individual liberties).

  • The Federalist Papers:

    • Key essays aimed at persuading the public of the Constitution's benefits.
    • Among the most noted: Federalist No. 10 and Federalist No. 51 by Madison.

  • Federalist Strategy:

    • Conceded to Anti-Federalist concerns by agreeing to add a Bill of Rights after ratification.

  • Outcome of Ratification:

    • By mid-1788, the necessary nine states ratified the Constitution, making it the supreme law of the land.
Perspectives on the Constitution
  • Notable Quotes and Perspectives:
    • Benjamin Franklin:
    • Expressed doubts about the Constitution's perfection but believed it marked progress over the Articles of Confederation.
    • George Mason:
    • Strongly opposed the Constitution in its initial form, indicating significant reservations about its structure.
Living Document Concept

  • Adaptability of the Constitution:

    • Discussion on the idea of the Constitution as a "living document," allowing for changes and adaptations over time.
    • Reflects the belief that ongoing cultural and societal changes necessitate constitutional evolution.

  • Educational Interpretations:

    • Highlighting the need for students to understand that founding fathers were not in complete agreement about the Constitution.
    • Importance of recognizing original intent and adaptability as critical themes in constitutional study.
Conclusion and Reflection
  • Final Takeaways from the Constitutional Convention:
    • Compromises were essential for balancing power among different state interests.
    • Recognition of the historical context and ongoing debates surrounding representation, individual liberties, and federal power remains pertinent in sociopolitical discourse today.