The document summarizes the key events and outcomes of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It describes the Virginia and New Jersey plans debated on the structure of the federal government. It also discusses the Great Compromise that created a bicameral legislature. The Three-Fifths Compromise on representation of slaves is mentioned. The document outlines the system of federalism created and the branches of government established, including checks and balances. It also summarizes the debate between Federalists and Antifederalists over concerns about individual rights and the ratification of the Constitution with the promise of a Bill of Rights.

1. THE CONSTITUTION

2. CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION Philadelphia – May 1787 55 delegates “ Founding Fathers” Only Rhode Island not there G. Washington led the convention James Madison kept historical record “ Father of the Constitution”

3. VIRIGINIA PLAN 3 branches of gov’t Legislative, executive, judicial Congress (legislature) made up of 2 houses people elect lower house; lower house elects upper house Representation based on population

4. NEW JERSEY PLAN Legislature with only 1 house Each state has same number of representatives

5. GREAT COMPROMISE (CONNECTICUT) Proposed a bicameral legislature House of Representatives based on population Senate 2 from each state

6. Three-Fifths Compromise 5 slaves would count as 3 people Taxation and representation Electoral College Indirect election of president Did not trust ordinary people

7. Federal System = Federalism Sharing power between central & state gov’ts Only Congress can: make treaties coin money $ tax imports declare war If conflict between national & state, states must follow national laws Popular sovereignty Political authority belongs to the people

8. BRANCHES OF GOV’T Legislative – makes laws (Congress) House of Representatives (2 yr term) Senate (6 yr term) Executive – enforces laws President & Vice President (4 yr term) Limit of 2 terms Judicial – interprets laws (Courts) (some have life appointments)

9. Separation of Powers Keeps each branch from becoming too powerful Checks & Balances Limits power of each branch Watches other branches

10. Antifederalists Those who opposed Constitution Too much power in nat’l gov’t Feared loss of citizens’ freedoms Federalists Supported Constitution Believed citizens’ rights safe because: each state had bill of rights House of Rep. chosen by people Promise of Bill of Rights = ratification

11. Federalists Papers 85 organized essays written by Alexander Hamilton – 50 James Madison – 30 John Jay – 5 written to convince the public that the new central gov’t would not overpower the people

12. Anti-Federalist Writings written by people using pen names Patrick Henry Richard Henry Lee Samuel Adams James Monroe written to convince the public of the danger that the new central gov’t would be without a statement of individual rights (Bill of Rights).

13. Ratification – approval under Constitution – only 9 states needed Some states ratified w/ promise of a bill of rights Amendments – way of changing the Constitution

14. Bill of Rights First 10 amendments List of guaranteed rights of individuals Restricts gov’t action against citizens Any powers not in Constitution are given to states & people

15. National Archives – Washington DC Declaration of Independence Constitution Bill of Rights