U.S. Constitution Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Constitutional Convention took place in the summer of 1787.
• 12 states sent representatives to amend the Articles of Confederation.
• James Madison led the effort to draft a new constitution.
• Focus on negotiation and compromise in drafting.

Major Compromises

The Great Compromise

• Virginia Plan:
  • Advocated for a stronger central government.
  • Bicameral legislature based on population.
• New Jersey Plan:
  • Suggested amending the Articles of Confederation.
  • Wanted a unicameral Congress, one vote per state.
• Connecticut Compromise:
  • Established a bicameral legislature:
    • House of Representatives based on population.
    • Senate with equal representation (two senators per state).
  • Grand Committee formed to work out the compromise.
  • Tax and revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives.

The Electoral College

• Compromise between direct election by citizens and election by Congress.
• Citizens vote for electors, who then elect the president.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

• Debate on whether slaves counted as population for representation.
• Southern states wanted slaves counted as people for representation.
• Northern states opposed, citing previous southern stance on slave rights.
• Result: every five slaves count as three people for representation.

Compromise on the Importation of Slaves

• Northern states wanted to ban the slave trade.
• Southern states opposed any ban.
• Compromise allowed slave trade continuation for 20 years post-ratification.
• Banned on the first possible day, signed by Thomas Jefferson.

Bill of Rights

• Occurred during ratification debate.
• Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights.
• Madison introduced amendments in the first session of Congress, leading to the Bill of Rights.

Amendment Process

• Article 5 describes two methods for amendment:
  • Two-thirds of both houses propose and three-fourths of states ratify.
  • Two-thirds of state legislatures propose, and three-fourths of states ratify.

Conclusion

• Constitution provides a framework but leaves many issues open-ended.
• Allows for future amendments and adaptations.
• Reminder to check out additional resources.