IV. Constitutional Convention. Objective: To understand the importance of the Constitutional...
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Transcript of IV. Constitutional Convention. Objective: To understand the importance of the Constitutional...
IV. Constitutional Convention
Objective:
To understand the importance of the Constitutional Convention in shaping Democracy in the United States.
Review:
1. What were several weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
2. What is a Unicameral Legislature?
3. Where is power located in a Confederation?
Primary Source – Alexander Hamilton – Federalist Papers #65
• “If mankind were to resolve to agree in no
institution of government, until
every part of it had been adjusted to the
most exact standard of perfection, society
would soon become a general scene of
anarchy, and the world a desert.”
What did Hamilton mean?
A. New Constitution • May 1787 – Group of delegates met in Philadelphia to revise
the Articles
• Constitutional Convention – Created an entirely new government to replace the Articles
• One of the most important events in world history because of the model it establishes
• Going from no written constitutions in the world to many
• Constitution created is the oldest written constitution still in effect in the world
Meeting of the Constitutional Convention
B. Organization• 55 Delegates – Movers and shakers of the day from all states
except Rhode Island – “Land of the otherwise minded”
• George Washington – Chosen to preside over the convention – “The indispensable man”
• Spoke little but his presence helped make the convention successful
• Convention was held in secret to allow the free exchange of ideas – Nailed windows shut
C. Father of the Constitution
• No stenographer was hired
• James Madison – Kept a daily journal of the events
• Major source of information on the events of the convention - by no means complete