Heimler’s History: The Constitutional Convention

Introduction

Held in 1787 in Philadelphia with 55 delegates
Aim: Address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
Initial debate: Amend the Articles or draft a new constitution
Decision influenced by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to create a new Constitution

Virginia Plan
- Strong centralized government
- Bicameral legislature based on state population
- Favored by large states
New Jersey Plan
- Unicameral legislature with equal state representation
- Favored by small states
Great Compromise
- Bicameral legislature
  - House of Representatives: Representation by population
  - Senate: Equal representation with two votes per state

Debate on counting enslaved population for representation
Three-Fifths Compromise
- 3/5 of the enslaved population counted for representation
Assurance to southern states to not ban slavery until 1808

House of Representatives: Direct election by the people for two-year terms
Senate: Elected by state legislatures for six-year terms
President: Elected via Electoral College, chosen by states, not directly by the people

New Constitution required ratification by nine out of thirteen states
Two opposing groups emerged:
- Federalists: Supported ratification, composed mainly of urban and commercial individuals
  - Prominent figures: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay
  - Authored the Federalist Papers to advocate for ratification
- Anti-Federalists: Opposed ratification, concerned about excessive central government power
  - Lacked a Bill of Rights in the Constitution
Federalists conceded a Bill of Rights would be added post-ratification
By mid-1788, nine states ratified the Constitution, making it the new governing document