Heimlich's History Lecture: Ratification of the Constitution
Objectives
- Explain the impact of political negotiation and compromise at the Constitutional Convention on the development of the constitutional system.
Constitutional Convention
- Occurred in 1787 in Philadelphia.
- Aimed to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.
- Led by figures like Alexander Hamilton, it shifted from revising the Articles to drafting a new Constitution.
Major Compromises in the Constitution
The Great Compromise
- Virginia Plan
- Proposed representation based on state population.
- Favored larger states.
- New Jersey Plan
- Proposed equal representation for all states.
- Favored smaller states.
- Bicameral Legislature
- House of Representatives: Representation by population.
- Senate: Equal representation for all states.
Presidential Election Compromise
- Various proposals included election by the people, state legislatures, or Congress.
- Compromise: Electoral College
- States have electors equal to their congressional representation.
- Electors decide the presidency.
Slavery Compromises
- Three-Fifths Compromise
- Enslaved people counted as three-fifths for representation and taxation.
- Slave Trade Compromise
- Slave trade not banned immediately, but allowed until 1808.
Amending the Constitution
- Recognized need for a flexible method to amend the Constitution.
- Article 5 Details:
- Proposal: By Congress or special state conventions with a two-thirds vote.
- Ratification: By three-quarters of state legislatures or state conventions.
Ratification Process
- Final ratification by all states completed in 1790.
- Rhode Island was the last state to ratify.
Ongoing Debates Reflecting Founding Debates
Government Surveillance
- Post-9/11: USA PATRIOT Act increased surveillance to prevent terrorism.
- Fourth Amendment Concerns: Debate on central power vs. individual rights.
Education
- Traditionally a state responsibility.
- No Child Left Behind Act (2001): Federal criteria for education funding.
- Led to debates on federal overreach and state rights.
Conclusion
- The debates from the Constitutional Convention continue in modern issues.
- Fundamental issues like the balance of central power vs. state power and individual rights remain relevant.
These notes summarize critical aspects of the ratification of the Constitution and its implications on modern governance debates, relevant for understanding Unit 1 of the AP Government curriculum.