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Learning Objectives

  • Understand differing ideological positions on the structure and function of the federal government.

Historical Context

  • Benjamin Franklin's Role: Aimed to ease skepticism among delegates regarding the new Constitution.

  • Key Questions: Could a central government unite 13 states and ensure prosperity?

The Annapolis Convention

  • Host: George Washington held discussions at Mount Vernon (1785) to address national issues.

  • Attendance: Only five states sent delegates to the Annapolis Convention (1786).

  • Outcome: Decision to convene again in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Drafting the Constitution in Philadelphia

  • Approval: Congress approved the meeting; all states but Rhode Island participated.

  • Delegates: 55 delegates present, all White and male, mostly wealthy and educated.

  • Conduct: Meetings were secret, with George Washington elected as chairperson.

Convention Leadership

  • Key figures included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and John Dickinson.

  • Notable absentees: John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Patrick Henry.

  • Madison's Contributions: Detailed notes shape historical interpretations of the debates.

Key Issues at the Convention

  • Purpose Disagreement: Some wanted to revise the Articles, while nationalists sought an entirely new document.

  • Federalism Support: Advocated by Madison and Hamilton for a strong but limited central government.

  • Separation of Powers: Essential to prevent government abuse by distributing power across branches.

Representation Debate

  • Virginia Plan: Favored larger states with proportional representation.

  • New Jersey Plan: Supported equal representation for smaller states.

  • Great Compromise: Bicameral system with equal Senate representation and population-based House representation.

Slavery Issues

  • Three-Fifths Compromise: Counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation.

  • Slave Trade: Compromise to allow slave importation for 20 years post-ratification.

Economic Compromise

  • Northern and Southern States: Northern states favored regulation of commerce, while Southern states feared export taxes.

  • Commercial Compromise: Allowed Congress to regulate interstate trade and foreign commerce, prohibiting export taxes.

Presidency Debate

  • Term Length: Limited to four years with no term limits.

  • Electoral College: Established to elect the president indirectly to mitigate direct democracy risks.

  • Presidential Powers: Included veto power over Congressional acts.

Ratification Procedure

  • Approval Date: September 17, 1787; required nine out of 13 states for ratification.

  • State Conventions: Each state to hold conventions to debate the proposed Constitution.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

  • Federalists: Supported a strong federal government (e.g., Atlantic Coast cities).

  • Anti-Federalists: Opposed it, fearing it would undermine democracy and state rights (e.g., small farmers).

Federalist Arguments

  • Emphasized need for a strong government to maintain order, highlighting weaknesses of the Articles.

Anti-Federalist Arguments

  • Argued against lack of individual rights and feared government power.

The Federalist Papers

  • A series of 85 essays by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay promoting the Constitution.

Achieving Ratification

  • Initial Success: Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania ratified early.

  • Promise of Bill of Rights: Addressed Anti-Federalists' concerns, pivotal for gaining support.

  • Virginia and New York: Their ratification was crucial for national unity.

  • Completion: North Carolina and Rhode Island ratified later, marking the Constitution as the supreme law.