Heimler’s History - Unit 3: Constitutional Convention

Overview

• Focus on the creation of the new U.S. Constitution following the failure of the Articles of Confederation.
• Discussion on the differing ideological positions on the structure and function of the new federal government.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Held in Philadelphia with 55 delegates.
• Aimed to address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• Key decision: replace the Articles with a new Constitution.

Key Figures

• James Madison and Alexander Hamilton: Advocated for a stronger federal government.

Major Debates

Representation

• Virginia Plan:

  • Proposed a bicameral legislature (two houses).
  • Representation based on state population.
  • Favored by large states.

• New Jersey Plan:

  • Proposed a unicameral legislature (one house).
  • Equal representation for each state.
  • Favored by small states.

• Great Compromise:

  • Bicameral legislature established:
    • House of Representatives: Based on population.
    • Senate: Equal representation (two senators per state).

Slavery and Representation

• Debate over counting enslaved people for representation in the House.
• Three-Fifths Compromise:
  • Three-fifths of the enslaved population counted for representation.
• Agreement to delay the ban on the slave trade until 1808.

Voting and Elections

• House of Representatives: Directly elected by the people for two-year terms.
• Senate: Elected by state legislatures for six-year terms.
• President: Elected by the Electoral College, not directly by the people.

Ratification Process

• Required approval from 9 out of 13 states.

• Federalists:

  • Supported ratification.
  • Key figures: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay.
  • Published the Federalist Papers to promote ratification.

• Anti-Federalists:

  • Opposed ratification due to fear of central government overpowering states.
  • Concern over lack of a Bill of Rights.

Outcome

• Federalists succeeded in gaining ratification by mid-1788.
• Promise to add a Bill of Rights to protect individual and state rights.

Conclusion

• The new Constitution became the governing document of the United States.
• Discussion emphasized both negotiation and compromise among differing views.

These notes cover the key points discussed in the Heimler's History lecture on the Constitutional Convention and the formation of the U.S. Constitution. For a deeper understanding, reviewing the Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist arguments would be beneficial.