Constitutional Convention, Round 1

Shays’ Rebellion and the Need for Change

Shays’ Rebellion and the Need for Change

Under the Articles of Confederation, the national Congress had the ability to print money. This money: Became worthless due to inflation during the

Revolution. States started printing own money to

counteract the national currency Several different types of currency (money)

became available, but no one knew the exact value of any of it (although no one thought it was worth much)

Massachusetts Farmers Rebel

Money shortages were especially hard on farmers who could not make enough to pay for taxes or debts. Many were ordered to sell land and livestock

to pay back debts Led by a Bunker Hill hero, Daniel Shays,

farmers protested at court houses and seized the national arsenal of weapons at Springfield.

Shays’ Rebellion was disbanded by the state militia….BUT:

A Call for Convention Shays’ Rebellion shocked Congress into

calling for a convention to consider “the situation of the United States”. Many believed that Shays’ Rebellion showed

that the national government was powerless and ineffective

Delegates of all 13 states were invited to meet in Philadelphia in May, 1787 for the “soul purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation”

Opening the Constitutional

Convention

Opening the Constitutional Convention

Delegates met in Philadelphia on May 25 to begin discussing making changes to the Articles of Confederation. It was so hot at Independence Hall, that some

believed even the slightest movement was painful

George Washington was elected as president of the convention (leader of the group)

The Delegates 55 delegates from 12 states joined the

convention. Rhode Island, which prided itself on its

independence, did not attend the convention Key figures of the American Revolution were

also missing: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (out of town) Sam Adams (beer convention) John Hancock and Patrick Henry (feared strong

central govt’)

The Delegates, Continued Most delegates were “well-bred, well-fed,

well-read, and well-wed” The average age was 42, lawyers or had other

political experience, and owned slaves. Benjamin Franklin was the oldest of all

the delegates and was carried in on a thrown by prisoners each day.

Thomas Jefferson believed that the delegates of the convention were “an assembly of demi-gods”.

The Father of the Constitution The best prepared of the “godlike” figures

was James Madison of Virginia. Madison took the lead in the convention and

was eventually labeled the “Father of the Constitution”.

Madison spoke more than 200 times during the Convention and when he wasn’t speaking he was taking notes. His notes totaled over 600 pages

The Rule of Secrecy Outside of the convention, no one knew

what was happening. Delegates wanted to be able to express their

opinions openly without causing alarm or opposition to the general public.

All agreed to keep their work secret until the convention ended.

During the convention, not a single word was published in newspapers about what was going on

Shared Beliefs and Clashing Views

Commonalities: All believed in protecting the rights of “life,

liberty, and pursuit of happiness” as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. All believed in the “consent of the governed”

Delegates agreed that the best way to have a strong nation was through a republic, or country governed by elected representatives.

Shared Beliefs and Clashing Views, Continued

Differences: Not everyone agreed on who should have a

say in the representative government: Men? White, land-owning? Women? (In New Jersey, women could vote) Slaves?

Delegates disagreed on how much power the national government should have Some believed that a too powerful gov’t would

threaten individual liberty Others believed that a too weak gov’t would hurt

the U.S.

Issue: How Should States Be Represented in the New Government?

Issue: How Should States Be Represented in the New Government?

At the beginning of the convention, most delegates believed they would be revising the Articles of Confederation…but: The Virginia delegation suggested, and others

agreed, to throw away the Articles and create an entirely new plan of government.

The framers or constitutional delegates, were divided on a key issue: Where should the government’s power to rule

come from? The States? The People?

The Virginia Plan Called for strong national government Three Branches:

Legislative Branch (Congress, make laws) Made of two houses or bicameral, based on population

Executive (execute or carry out laws) Judicial (courts, apply & interpret laws)

Large states favored the Virginia Plan Key support came from Virginia and Pennsylvania

Supporters believed that having the new government represent people- they would have more power in Congress

The New Jersey Plan Delegates from small states disliked the

Virginia Plan. Before the delegates could vote, William

Paterson of New Jersey introduced an alternative proposal

Also wanted three branches…but: Wanted a unicameral legislature, 1 house States would have equal representation,

regardless of population

POP QUIZ!Directions: On your own paper, answer the

following questions:1. Why were the Articles of Confederation

weak?2. Who led a revolt against justices in

Massachusetts? 3. When/Where was the Constitutional

Convention held?4. Who is considered the “Father of the

Constitution?”5. Which plan favored large states and offered a

two-house legislature?