Overview
This lecture covered the events and debates of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, focusing on major compromises, key political figures, the structure of government, and the arguments over the Bill of Rights.
Setting the Constitutional Convention
- The Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787 to amend the Articles of Confederation.
- George Washington was elected president of the convention to provide legitimacy and calm leadership.
- Washington’s popularity made criticizing the convention difficult, serving as a political shield.
- Delegates quickly decided to discard, rather than amend, the Articles, which was technically unauthorized and considered a "coup d'état."
Key Figures and Proposals
- James Madison arrived prepared with a draft for the new Constitution (the Virginia Plan).
- The Madison Plan called for a bicameral legislature with representation by population in both houses.
- Roger Sherman (Connecticut) proposed the "Connecticut Compromise": House by population, Senate with two members per state.
- Alexander Hamilton proposed a strong central government with lifelong terms for senators and president, resembling monarchy.
Major Compromises and Issues
- Three major deadlocks threatened the convention: representation, slavery, and the Bill of Rights.
- The Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise) established current congressional structure.
- The Three-Fifths Compromise stated that slaves would count as 3/5ths of a person for House representation.
- Slave importation would end in 1808; meanwhile, states like Virginia and Maryland shifted toward breeding and selling slaves domestically.
Slavery and Sectional Differences
- All 13 states had slavery in 1787, but it was more economically significant in the South.
- Northern states began abolishing slavery after the Three-Fifths Compromise as their economic interest in it waned.
- Maryland and Virginia stopped gradual abolition plans when the end of slave importation increased the value of domestic slaves.
Bill of Rights Debate
- Federalists argued a Bill of Rights was unnecessary and even dangerous, fearing it could limit unlisted rights or provoke revolution.
- Anti-Federalists insisted a Bill of Rights was essential to protect liberties and ensure government accountability.
- Compromise: Bill of Rights would be added in the first Congress after ratification.
Ratification and Final Steps
- The Constitution was hastily approved during a lunch break while Anti-Federalists were absent.
- Signature page misleadingly reads "unanimous consent" despite dissenting votes.
- Ratification required approval by 9 out of 13 states; Delaware was first, and the process took two years.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Articles of Confederation — The first U.S. constitution, replaced in 1787 due to its weaknesses.
- Bicameral Legislature — Lawmaking body with two chambers (House and Senate).
- Three-Fifths Compromise — Formula for counting enslaved people as 60% of a person for representation.
- Federalist — Supporter of strong central government and the new Constitution.
- Anti-Federalist — Opposed the Constitution without a Bill of Rights.
- Bill of Rights — First ten amendments to the Constitution protecting individual liberties.
- Habeas Corpus — Legal right protecting against unlawful detention.
- Coup d'état — Overthrow of a government; here, used for replacing the Articles with the Constitution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review material on the Federalist Papers for the next class.
- Prepare for the midterm, due by June 10th.
- Write a critical analysis essay on a 60 Minutes episode of your choice (include evidence and your opinion).