The document summarizes the Constitutional Convention that was held from May 25th to September 17th, 1787 to strengthen the Articles of Confederation. Many of the framers had served in the Confederation Congress or were army veterans. They debated ideas from philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Hobbes. Their goal was to create a stronger national government that provided liberty and security in response to issues like Shays' Rebellion, but without threatening individual liberty. Two main proposals were the Virginia Plan which called for a strong national government of three branches including a national legislature, and the New Jersey Plan which sought to amend the Articles of Confederation and give each state one equal vote. The Great Compromise blended aspects of

1. A Convention Called for the Purpose of Strengthening the Confederation

2. OR

3. The Constitutional Convention May 25, 1787 – September 17, 1787

6. The Framers Many had served in the Confederation Congress A small number were army veterans Not the same group that had signed the Declaration Thomas Jefferson was serving as Minister to France John Adams was serving as Minister to Great Britain Rhode Island doesn’t send anyone Sam Adams is ill Patrick Henry refuses to come saying he smelled a rat in Philadelphia tending toward monarchy

7. In most cases this is not a great ongoing philosophical or theoretical debate It does consist of arguments relating to the writings of Locke; and of the philosophies of Montesquieu and Hobbes; Blackstone for law But this is a practical, nuts and bolts, “how do we run our states and the country and NOT cause another revolution, or a collapse of the government?” In other words “How do we create a government that provides and protects liberty without threatening liberty?” Shay’s Rebellion—Army veterans losing their homes/land because of taxes they could not pay

8. GC

9. The Virginia Plan Strong national government organized into three branches 2. Two houses in legislature 3. Executive chosen by legislature Council of revision (executive and some judiciary branch members) with veto power 5. Two key features of the plan a. National legislature with supreme powers b. One legislative house elected directly by the people

10. The New Jersey Plan Sought to amend rather than replace Articles 2. Proposed one vote per state Protected small states' interests while enhancing power of national government

11. The Great Compromise Connecticut Compromise House of Representatives based on population and directly elected by people 2. Senate of two members per state and elected by state legislatures 3. Reconciled interests of large and small states