The document summarizes the key events and compromises that led to the ratification of the US Constitution in 1788. It describes the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation revealed by Shay's Rebellion and the calling of the Constitutional Convention. The Great Compromise established representation in Congress as well as compromises around slavery and taxation. The Constitution established three branches of government and a system of checks and balances. It was ratified after approval by 9 states and was later amended, including amendments in the Bill of Rights.

2. Shay’s Rebellion
Washington Madison Franklin Hamilton
•The GREAT COMPROMISE was used to settle the argument over Representation in
Congress. Congress was to be divided into two parts.
Representation in The House of Representatives is to be based on the population of
each state. States with more people will send more representatives to Congress and in
this House they will have more power.
Representation in The United States Senate will be equal. There will be two
representatives or Senators from each state. Here power between the states is equal.
In order for an idea to be made into a law both the United States Senate and the House
of Representatives must vote on it and approve it.
•Under the Articles of Confederation, the US
government was very weak. The government:
-did not have national court system
-had no power to enforce laws
-had no power to raise army
-had no power to collect taxes
•Shay’s Rebellion showed the weakness of the
government.
•A national convention was called to solve the problems with the Articles of Confederation. This is known as the Constitutional Convention.
Two plans were proposed: the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan. Neither one was accepted by all states. Finally, a compromise was reached
that satisfied all of the states. The leaders of the Constitutional Convention included:

3. •Southern states wanted their slaves to count as part of the population, the North did not. The
3/5’s Compromise settled this issue.
•The United States government is also known as the Federal, National, or Central government.
•The written plan of the United States government, used for over 200 years, is known as the
UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION.

4. •3 branches of government:
1. Legislative - Congress
2. Executive - President
3. Judicial – Supreme Court

5. •THE US SUPREME COURT: Protects the Constitution and
enforces commands of the executive and legislative branches,
protects the rights of individuals, can declare laws unconstitutional
(Judicial Review), defines the laws of our nation.
•EQUAL JUSTICE UNDER LAW is on the building that houses the
United States Supreme Court.
•CONSTITUTIONAL -the court decides that the law or act agrees
with the Constitution and is fair.
•UNCONSTITUTIONAL -the court decides that the law or act does
not agree with the Constitution and is unfair or illegal.
•The President is responsible for making sure that the laws made by
Congress are carried out or enforced.
•We would look to this man for leadership. He would have to know what
the people wanted and make sure that the laws of the United States were
fairly applied.
•We also created the highest court in the nation. It would be known as the
U.S. Supreme Court. There would be no jury in this court. Instead there
would be Nine Justices who would rule or vote on decisions. They would
be the ultimate protector of the rights of the people and have the final
decision in all legal matters.

6. •We know that the document is not
perfect but it contains a process for
amending or changing the
Constitution. This will be done as
future generations see fit.
•One person or branch of government might become
too powerful and try to control the other two. To
prevent this from happening they set up a system
known as CHECKS AND BALANCES. Under this
system each branch has the power to check or limit the
actions of the other two branches. For example
Congress (Legislative) has the power to make bills
(ideas for laws). The President (Executive) has the
power to sign bills into law. The United States
Supreme Court (Judicial) has the power to declare the
law unconstitutional and reject the law.
•In June of 1788, New Hampshire
became the 9th
state to ratify the
Constitution. It is the Supreme Law of
the United States.

7. Bill of Rights: Ratified in 1791
•1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the
freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
•2nd Amendment: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not
be infringed.
•4th Amendments: The people’s right to have security for their own bodies and in their houses shall not be violated; papers and belongings are
protected against unreasonable searches and seizures. No search warrants may be issued without probable cause supported by oath or statement.
The warrant must describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be captured or seized.
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8. •5th Amendment: No person can be brought to trial for a capital or other major offense without a grand jury bringing an indictment or written
charges. The exception is in cases involving the army, navy, or militia when in service during war or public danger. No person will be subject to
double jeopardy (being brought to trial twice) for the same offense, and cannot be forced in a criminal trial to be witness against himself. No
person can be executed, imprisoned, or property seized without due (formal) process of law; private property cannot be taken without just
compensation.
•6th Amendment: The accused is entitled to a speedy trial in open court; he is to be tried in the state and district where the crime was committed;
he has the right to know the charges made against him, to confront the witnesses testifying against him, to require testimony from witnesses who
can testify for him, and to have legal counsel for his defense.

9. •8th Amendment: Excessive bail cannot be required; excessive fines cannot be imposed; cruel and unusual punishments cannot be inflicted.
•14th Amendment: (Adopted in 1868) All born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its authority are citizens of the United States and
of the state where they reside. No state can make or enforce laws that take away the rights and privileges of citizens of the United States.
•13th
Amendment: (Adopted in 1865) Slavery and other forms of involuntary labor, except as punishment for crime, shall not exist in the United
States or in any place controlled by the United States.

10. •8th Amendment: Excessive bail cannot be required; excessive fines cannot be imposed; cruel and unusual punishments cannot be inflicted.
•14th Amendment: (Adopted in 1868) All born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its authority are citizens of the United States and
of the state where they reside. No state can make or enforce laws that take away the rights and privileges of citizens of the United States.
•13th
Amendment: (Adopted in 1865) Slavery and other forms of involuntary labor, except as punishment for crime, shall not exist in the United
States or in any place controlled by the United States.