The document discusses the United States Constitution, including that it was written over 200 years ago in Philadelphia and was the oldest written constitution in the modern world at that time. It also discusses the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and some of the key compromises that were debated, such as representation of slaves and the structure of the national legislature. The Constitution established a system of federalism and separation of powers.

1. POL 205
Spring 2019

3.  Written over 200 years
ago in Philadelphia
 Oldest written
constitution in the
modern world
 Many governments
used it as a model for
their political system

5. Virginia House of Burgesses, 1619

7. Sugar Act (1764)
Stamp Act (1765)

8. Declaratory Act (1766)
Townshend Acts (1767)
Charles Townshend,
Chancellor of the Exchequer

9. Tea Act (1773)
BostonTea Party

11.  “Virtual Representation”
First Continental Congress

14. The Social Contract
“Consent of
the Governed”
Locke

16.  States had one vote
 Changing laws required
nine of thirteen state
legislatures to agree
 Fundamental changes
had to be unanimous

17.  No power to draft
soldiers or pay military
 No power to regulate
commerce
 No power to tax

22.  55 men from 12 states
 Colonial elite - Had public service background
 Service in Continental Congress
 Fought in Revolutionary War
 Been a state governor or served as state legislator

23. Madison
(Virginia)
Franklin
(Pennsylvania)
Sherman
(Connecticut)
Paterson
(New Jersey)

25. GEORGEWASHINGTON JAMES MADISON

26.  States received one vote
 Did NOT record votes
 Proceedings were secret

28.  Strengthened power of
national government
 Bicameral (two house)
national legislature
 Members of lower
chamber by population
 Gave legislature much
broader authority than
under Articles
James Madison

29.  Unicameral (one house)
legislature
 Equal representation
regardless of population
William Paterson

30.  Bicameral (two house)
legislature
 Lower chamber
(House) based on
population
 Upper chamber
(Senate) based on
equalityRoger Sherman

32.  How should slaves be counted in
allocating congressional representation?
 Decision: Three-Fifths Compromise

34.  “Enumerated” Powers
 Those powers “herein granted”
 Included:
 Power to raise an army
 Power to raise taxes
 Provide for general welfare of nation

39. JAMES MADISON PATRICK HENRY

41. FEDERALIST #10
 Danger lay in factions
 What is a faction?
 Group of citizens sharing
common interest
FEDERALIST #51
 Deals with separation of
powers through checks
and balances
 “Ambition must be made to
counteract ambition”