George Washington will serve as President of the Convention to keep order and direct debate. James Madison will serve as Secretary to take notes. Their duties are outlined. Delegates are assigned roles that represent different states and positions on issues like federal power and slavery. The document outlines beliefs held by each delegate that will guide their participation in the debates.

1. George Washington - President
James Madison - Secretary
As President of the Convention your duties include:
-Opening and Closing each day’s convention.
-Keeping order at the convention.
-Giving the floor to speakers.
-Calling for Seconds and Votes on motions.
-If the convention becomes deadlocked, your job is to direct flow of
debate and issues that need addressed.
As Secretary of the Convention your duties include:
-Take roll after President has called order and opened the convention.
-Read minutes from last meeting after taking attendance.
-You will record yes and no votes on motions on the vote sheets.
-You can read back motion ideas that you record if someone needs it.

2. Alexander Hamilton - Sergeant at Arms
Benjamin Franklin – Intellectual Treasurer
As Sergeant at Arms of the Convention your duties include:
-Ensure seats are arranged at beginning of class.
-Assist in enforcing Presidents Point of Order calls (silence the room)
-Cross off items on podium/board that are completed by convention.
-Assist the President if he/she needs something in room.
-Ensure seats are back in order at end of class.
As Benjamin Franklin your duties at the Convention include:
-Suggesting ideas when the convention is stuck.
-Use your ‘cheat sheet’ as a way to suggest ideas, but not give away
answers to difficult issues.
-If two sides can not agree on an issue like slavery, you can
recommend that each side compromise on the issues.

3. William Johnson - Connecticut
Roger Sherman – Connecticut
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. State Legislatures have done a fine job thus far!
2. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at the
state courts.
3. We just fought a War over taxes – I’m not given the Federal
government the power to tax!
4. If this country crumbles a common currency will become
worthless.
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Government needs more legislative power.
2. An executive is needed to make key decisions.
3. We need a Federal government that can militarily
defend us.
4. We need to permit the Feds to regulate foreign trade

4. Richard Bassett - Delaware
Gunning Bedford Jr. – Delaware
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is too much like a King!
2. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at
the state courts.
3. We just fought a War over taxes – I’m not given the
Federal government the power to tax!
4. If this country crumbles a common currency will
become worthless.
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. State Legislatures have done a fine job thus far!
2. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at
the state courts.
3. We just fought a War over taxes – I’m not given the
Federal government the power to tax!
4. If this country crumbles a common currency will
become worthless.

5. Jacob Broom - Delaware
John Dickinson – Delaware
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Government needs more legislative power.
2. An executive is needed to make key decisions.
3. We need a Federal government that can militarily
defend us.
4. We need to permit the Feds to regulate foreign trade
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Government needs more legislative power.
2. An executive is needed to make key decisions.
3. We need a Federal government that can militarily
defend us.
4. We need to permit the Feds to regulate foreign trade

6. George Read - Delaware
Abraham Baldwin – Georgia
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is needed to make key decisions.
2. We are all Americans – Trust the Federal Government
with you taxes!
3. We need a Federal government that can militarily
defend us.
4. We need to permit the Feds to regulate foreign trade
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. State Legislatures have done a fine job thus far!
2. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at
the state courts.
3. We just fought a War over taxes – I’m not given the
Federal government the power to tax!
4. If this country crumbles a common currency will
become worthless.

7. William Pierce - Georgia
William Houstoun – Georgia
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is needed to make key decisions.
2. We need a Federal government that can militarily
defend us.
3. The federal Government needs the ability to a change
the plan of government without all 13 states approval.
4. We need to permit the Feds to regulate foreign trade
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. State Legislatures have done a fine job thus far!
2. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at
the state courts.
3. We just fought a War over taxes – I’m not given the
Federal government the power to tax!
4. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.

8. Daniel Carroll -Maryland
Luther Martin – Maryland
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. State Legislatures have done a fine job thus far!
2. My taxes are best represented at the state level.
3. If this country crumbles a common currency will
become worthless.
4. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Government needs more legislative power.
2. An executive is needed to make key decisions.
3. Uniting in a Federal defense is in our best interest-
United we Stand – Divided we Fall!
4. We need to permit the Feds to regulate foreign trade

9. James McHenry -Maryland
John F. Mercer – Maryland
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Someone needs to make key decisions – We need an
executive!
2. We are all Americans – Trust the Federal Government
with you taxes!
3. One currency would be easier to exchange in every
state.
4. The federal Government needs the ability to a change
the plan of government without all 13 states approval
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Someone needs to make key decisions – We need an
executive!
2. Uniting in a Federal defense is in our best interest-
United we Stand – Divided we Fall!
3. The federal Government needs the ability to a change
the plan of government without all 13 states approval.
4. States should have free trade with each other – Let
the Feds regulate trade.

10. Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer -Maryland
Elbridge Gerry – Massachusetts
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Government needs more legislative power.
2. Someone needs to make key decisions – We need an
executive!
3. We are all Americans – Trust the Federal Government
with you taxes!
4. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Government needs more legislative power.
2. Someone needs to make key decisions – We need an
executive!
3. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
4. States should have free trade with each other – Let
the Feds regulate trade.

11. Nathaniel Gorham - Massachusetts
Rufus King – Massachusetts
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislatures will not serve state interests.
2. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at
the state courts.
3. My taxes are best represented at the state level.
4. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislature needs more power to meet the
needs of the people.
2. Lets help get this new country on its feet – pay the
debt – Give it the ability to TAX!
3. Uniting in a Federal defense is in our best interest-
United we Stand – Divided we Fall!
4. States should have free trade with each other – Let
the Feds regulate trade.

12. Caleb Strong - Massachusetts
Nicholas Gilman – New Hampshire
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislature needs more power to meet the
needs of the people.
2. Give the Federal government the ability to tax &
provide us with the defense we need.
3. One currency would be easier to exchange in every
state.
4. The federal Government needs the ability to a change
the plan of government without all 13 states approval.
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislatures will not serve state interests.
2. My taxes are best represented at the state level.
3. If this country crumbles a common currency will
become worthless.
4. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.

13. John Langdon – New Hampshire
David Brearley – New Jersey
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Our states need to be united in the interpretation of
the law.
2. Lets help get this new country on its feet – pay the
debt – Give it the ability to TAX!
3. One currency would be easier to exchange in every
state.
4. The federal Government needs the ability to a change
the plan of government without all 13 states approval.
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Our states need to be united in the interpretation of
the law.
2. Lets help get this new country on its feet – pay the
debt – Give it the ability to TAX!
3. Uniting in a Federal defense is in our best interest-
United we Stand – Divided we Fall!
4. The federal Government needs the ability to a change
the plan of government without all 13 states approval.

14. William Houston - New Jersey
William Paterson – New Jersey
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislatures will not serve state interests.
2. State courts serve the best interests of the people.
3. State currencies will rebound and become more
valuable then any Federal Currency.
4. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal judges will become corrupt – Judicial power at
the state courts.
2. My taxes are best represented at the state level.
3. State currencies will rebound and become more
valuable then any Federal Currency.
4. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.

15. William Livingston - New Jersey
Jonathan Dayton – New Jersey
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislature needs more power to meet the
needs of the people.
2. Our states need to be united in the interpretation of
the law.
3. One currency would be easier to exchange in every
state.
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Our states need to be united in the interpretation of
the law.
2. Give the Federal government the ability to tax &
provide us with the defense we need.
3. Uniting in a Federal defense is in our best interest-
United we Stand – Divided we Fall!
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!

16. John Lansing Jr. – New York
Robert Yates – New York
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is too much like a King!
2. State courts serve the best interests of the people.
3. My taxes are best represented at the state level.
4. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Our states need to be united in the interpretation of
the law.
2. Give the Federal government the ability to tax &
provide us with the defense we need.
3. One currency would be easier to exchange in every
state.
4. Someone needs to make key decisions – We need an
executive!

17. Alexander Martin – North Carolina
William Davie – North Carolina
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislatures will not serve state interests.
2. State currencies will rebound and become more
valuable then any Federal Currency.
3. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislatures will not serve state interests.
2. State courts serve the best interests of the people.
3. State currencies will rebound and become more
valuable then any Federal Currency.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government

18. Richard Spaight – North Carolina
William Blount – North Carolina
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. A Federal Court is needed to interpret Federal Laws.
2. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
3. Federal Legislature needs more power to meet the
needs of the people.
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Our states need to be united in the interpretation of
the law.
2. One currency would be easier to exchange in every
state.
3. Federal Legislature needs more power to meet the
needs of the people.
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!

19. Hugh Williamson – North Carolina
George Clymer – Pennsylvania
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. A Federal Court is needed to interpret Federal Laws.
2. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
3. Someone needs to make key decisions – We need an
executive!
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. Federal Legislatures will not serve state interests.
2. State courts serve the best interests of the people.
3. State currencies will rebound and become more
valuable then any Federal Currency.
4. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.

20. Thomas Mifflin - Pennsylvania
Robert Morris – Pennsylvania
You support: weak federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is too much like a King!
2. State courts serve the best interests of the people.
3. The Federal dollar is worthless now.
4. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. A Federal Court is needed to interpret Federal Laws.
2. Give the Federal government the ability to tax &
provide us with the defense we need.
3. Uniting in a Federal defense is in our best interest-
United we Stand – Divided we Fall!
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!

21. Jared Ingersoll - Pennsylvania
Thomas Fitzsimons – Pennsylvania
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. A Federal Court is needed to interpret Federal Laws.
2. Give the Federal government the ability to tax &
provide us with the defense we need.
3. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
4. Lower the tariffs – Feds need to regulate trade!
You support: strong federal government - antislavery
Core Beliefs:
1. A Federal Court is needed to interpret Federal Laws.
2. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
3. I belief that alterations to our government should not
include all 13 states.
4. States should have free trade with each other – Let
the Feds regulate trade.

22. John Rutledge – South Carolina
Charles Pinckney – South Carolina
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is too much like a King!
2. State courts serve the best interests of the people.
3. The Feds will use the military to police and quarter
among the people.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive is too much like a King!
2. My son will not fight and die in a war to defend
another state – only this state. Keep the military at the
state level.
3. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government

23. Pierce Butler – South Carolina
John Blair – Virginia
You support: strong federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. A Federal Court is needed to interpret Federal Laws.
2. Give the Federal government the ability to tax &
provide us with the defense we need.
3. 13 different currencies is economically crippling – We
need one common currency!
4. States should have free trade with each other – Let
the Feds regulate trade.
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive will sooner or later become a dictator.
2. My son will not fight and die in a war to defend
another state – only this state. Keep the military at the
state level.
3. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government

24. George Mason - Virginia
James McClurg – Virginia
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive will sooner or later become a dictator.
2. My taxes are best represented at the state level.
3. My son will not fight and die in a war to defend
another state – only this state. Keep the military at the
state level.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive will sooner or later become a dictator.
2. My son will not fight and die in a war to defend
another state – only this state. Keep the military at the
state level.
3. I like states controlling the trade – our tariffs bring in
good money.
4. All 13 states approval need to make changes to the
government.

25. Edmund Randolph - Virginia
George Wythe – Virginia
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive will be too much like a King.
2. A Federal judicial Branch would not interpret the laws
in the interest of my state.
3. I do not trust the Feds with our taxes
4. My son will not fight and die in a war to defend
another state – only this state. Keep the military at the
state level.
You support: weak federal government - slavery
Core Beliefs:
1. An executive will be too much like a King.
2. How can we be sure that the Federal currency will
succeed? – I Believe it will not!
3. I do not trust the Feds with our taxes
4. My son will not fight and die in a war to defend
another state – only this state. Keep the military at the
state level.

26. Ben Franklin Tip Sheet
Use only in case of Deadlock on Issues!
Framework of New Government:
-Should have 3 branches to make sure one part is not more powerful than
another.
-Legislative Branch:
-big and small states compromise on who controls congress
-One house of congress chosen by population (makes big states
happy)
-One house of congress is created from equal representative from
each state. (small states are happy)
-Executive Branch:
-only have one person in charge (president or prime minister)
-have executive branch be able to veto or control congress
-Judicial Branch:
-Suggest that there is one national court system.
Also 13 state court systems but they all work under the same laws.
Slavery Issue:
-Suggest not banning slavery without compensation.
-Suggest not banning slavery because it is profitable for the U.S.
-Suggest not banning it, but limiting its expansion to only areas south of
Virginia.
COMPRIMISE IS THE KEY

27. 1. What will the new government look like?
2. What will each branch of government do?
3. How will each branch of government be chosen?
4. What about slavery – expand or not – outlaw it?
5. What specific powers will the national
government have?
A. National currency
B. Power to tax
C. Regulation of trade
D. Raise an army and navy
E. How will the new constitution be change?