Heimler’s History: Constitutional Convention

Context

• Continues from the failure of the Articles of Confederation.
• Focus on the shift to a new Constitution due to weaknesses in the Articles.
• Main Topic: Differing ideological positions on the structure and function of the federal government.

Shays’s Rebellion

• Catalyst for change.
• Highlighted weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

The Constitutional Convention

• Took place in 1787, Philadelphia.
• Purpose: Address weaknesses in the Articles, decide on a new constitution.

Major Discussions and Proposals

• Virginia Plan
  • Strong centralized government.
  • Bicameral legislature (two houses).
  • Representation based on state population (favored larger states).
• New Jersey Plan
  • Unicameral legislature (one house).
  • Equal representation for each state (favored smaller states).

The Great Compromise

• Created a bicameral legislature:
  • House of Representatives: Representation based on population.
  • Senate: Equal representation with two senators per state.

Representation of Enslaved People

• Key Issue: Whether enslaved populations would count for representation.
• Three-Fifths Compromise: Counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for representation.
• Agreement to not ban slavery until 1808.

Voting and Elections

• House of Representatives: Elected directly by the people for two-year terms.
• Senate: Elected by state legislatures for six-year terms.
• President: Elected by the electoral college.

Ratification Battle

• Federalists
  • Pro-ratification.
  • Urban, commercial backgrounds.
  • Published the Federalist Papers (Hamilton, Madison, Jay).
• Anti-Federalists
  • Against ratification.
  • Concerned about too much central power.
  • Lack of a Bill of Rights.

Outcome

• Federalists won due to better organization and promising a Bill of Rights.
• By 1788, nine states ratified the Constitution, making it the law.

Importance

• Establishes the foundation of the U.S. federal government and its structure.
• Shows the power of negotiation and compromise in nation-building.

Additional Notes

• Importance of subscribing to Heimler’s History for more understanding and good exam performance.