“Forming a more Perfect Union”
Creating a Constitution
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was called to revise the Articles of Confederation. This “revision” led to the eventual abandonment of the Articles and created a new constitutional framework.
Revision Attempts
Charles Pinckney of S.C. proposed that Congress revise the Articles of Confederation. Among the proposed changes included amendments that would have granted Congress exclusive power over commerce. Instead of “tinkering” with old Articles, a Constitutional Convention was called to re-write a new Constitution.
Constitutional Convention
Held in Philadelphia 1787. Intent of the Convention Economic – protect property rights and make America safe from democracy Idealistic – make a perfect union Pragmatic – dealing with the question of sovereignty. Placing common interests over regional or personal concerns.
Constitutional Convention
Participants – 55 delegates from 12 states Young (average age 42), professional (1/2 were lawyers), men of economic substance Revolutionary War veterans Absent: Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry
Constitutional Convention
Key participants Washington – president of the convention Madison – researched every previous republic Large public is not only possible but preferred Popularly elected officials with sovereignty in the hands of the people, not the governments.
The Compromises
Virginia Plan/ Large States Plan 2 house legislature with representation based on population for both President and courts chosen by legislature Favor larger states over smaller states
The Compromises
New Jersey Plan Congress with each state having 1 vote Separate executive and judicial branches Increased powers of Congress Equal power sharing between small states and large states
The Compromises
The “Great Compromise” Lower house membership dependent on population Upper house with two members from each state All revenue (tax) bills must begin in lower house This provision still holds true!
The Compromises
Three-Fifths Compromise 60% of slaves counted for representation and taxation No congressional interference with slavery for 20 years Non-slave states wanted slaves counted for taxation, but not representation and wanted an end to importation of slaves Slave states wanted slaves counted for representation but not taxation, plus no interference with slave trade by federal government
The Compromises
Commerce Compromise (no tax on exports, simple majority needed to pass commerce bills) Cotton and tobacco producing states wanted restriction of taxes on exports and all commerce bills to be passed by a two-thirds vote of Congress Northern industrial states wanted federal tariffs to keep up out cheaper European products and raise revenues for the government
Ratification
Because of fear of opposition from states, only 9 of the 13 were needed for the Constitution to take effect. Because of opposition from state legislatures, conventions elected by the people were given authority to approve or reject the Constitution.
Ratification
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Most federalists were wealthy and welleducated and sought the creation of a more powerful central government Most anti-federalists were farmers who were loyal primarily to their state governments Feared taxation power of federal government Republican government could not rule a large nation
Ratification
Federalist Papers (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) were most influential political literature of the time Argued that limitations on governmental power were built into the Constitution Need for strength to earn respect abroad
Ratification
Promise of a “Bill of Rights” added to the Constitution helped persuade opponents to ratify it.
Goals of the Framers
To establish a government strong enough to meet the nations needs – an objective sought through substantial grants of power to the federal government in areas such as defense and commerce
Goals of the Framers
To establish a government that would not threaten the existence of the separate states – an objective sought through federalism and through a Congress connected to the states through elections
Goals of the Framers
To establish a government that would not threaten liberty – an objective sought through an elaborate system of checks and balances To establish a government based on popular sovereignty – an objective sought through provisions for the direct and indirect election of public officials.
Constitution - Framework
Framework of Constitutions consists of: Preamble Articles (7) Amendments (27)
Constitution, Preamble
“We the People of the United States in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish the CONSTITUTION for the United States of America.”
Constitution, Article I
Legislative Branch Section 1 All legislative powers vested in a Congress, which shall include a House and Senate Section 2 Membership of House Election Cycle: Every 2 years by the people Age: 25 years Citizenship: 7 years, Allocation: based by population
Constitution, Article I
Section 3: Senate Membership: 2 from each state Election cycle: 6 years, 1/3 up for election every 2 years. Age: 30 years Citizenship: 9 years Provide for senate leadership Try all impeachments 2/3 majority for convictions
Constitution, Article I
Section 4 Time, place, manner for elections left up to states Section 5 Sets up procedures for meetings, attendance of members, adjournment
Constitution, Article I
Section 7 Bills of Revenue originate in the House Process for Bills to become law Section 8: Specific Powers of Congress Lay and collect taxes Provide for common Defense, General Welfare Borrow money
Constitution, Article I
Regulate commerce with Foreign Nations Coin money Confirm Presidential appointments (Senate) Establish Post Offices Declare War Raise and Support Armies Maintain Navy All laws necessary and proper
Constitution, Article I
Section 9 Limits on Congress’s taxing power Section 10 Prevents states from entering into powers vested to the Congress like treaties, or impose duties on imports.
Constitution, Article II
Section 1: Executive power vested in a President. Establishes electoral college Establishes 4 Year term for President Age: 35 Citizenship: Natural Born Succession: Vice President
Constitution, Article II
Section 2 Establishes President as Commander in Chief of Army and Navy Power to make treaties with consent of the Senate Power to fill vacancies during recess of the Senate.
Constitution, Article II
Section 3 Give to the Congress information on the State of the Union Section 4 Power to be impeached by Congress
Constitution, Article III
Section 1 Judicial power shall be vested in one supreme court and lower courts which Congress deems necessary Section 2 Trial by jury, sets jurisdiction for particular cases
Constitution, Article III
Section 3 Treason provision “Consist only in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No person shall be convicted unless on the testimony to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.”
Constitution, Article IV
Section 1 Full Faith and Credit Clause Section 2 Citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of Citizens in another state Extradition clause
Constitution, Article IV
Admission of new states into the union
Section 4 Guarantee to every state a “Republican” form of government.
Constitution, Article V
The Congress may when necessary propose amendments to the Constitution Ratification ¾ of the states
Constitution, Article VI
All debts entered into before Adoption of the Constitution are valid. All members of government shall be bound to this constitution by Oath or Affirmation.
Constitution, Article VII
Ratification of this constitution shall be considered by 9 of the 13 states. 12 of 13 states signed the constitution Rhode Island was the last state to ratify the constitution and only after the bill of rights had been written...making it unanimous.
Constitution, Amendments 1-10
Amendment 1: Free exercise of religion, press, speech Right to peaceably assemble Right to Petition Government for a redress of grievances
Constitution, Amendments 1-10
Amendment II Right to bear Arms shall not be infringed Amendment III No soldier shall be quartered in time of peace, without consent of the owner
Constitution, Amendments 1-10
Amendment IV Reasonable search and seizures Warrants upon probable cause Amendment V Indictment by Grand Jury Double jeopardy Witness against himself Due process of law Just compensation for property
Constitution, Amendments 1-10
Amendment VI Right to speedy trial by an impartial jury Right to know cause and accusation Right to be confronted by witnesses and have witnesses to support Right to have Assistance of Counsel for defense
Constitution, Amendments 1-10
Amendment VII Civil matters right to jury trial Amendment VIII Excessive bail shall not be required Cruel and unusual punishment inflicted
Constitution, Amendments 1-10
Amendment IX The Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage other rights which are retained by the people. Amendment X Powers not delegated to the Constitution are reserved to the people.
Constitution, Amendments 11-27
Amendment XI As now interpreted, prevent citizens of a state from bringing their own state to federal court. Amendment XII Solidifies the Electoral College Decides how to settle ties or disputes Amendment XIII Abolishes slavery
Constitution, Amendments 11-27
Amendment XIV Prevents states from depriving citizens privileges set forth by the constitution including life, liberty, and property without due process of law, or within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Constitution, Amendments 11-27
Amendment XV Right of citizens to vote no longer based on race, color or servitude Amendment XVI Clarified the right of the government to collect taxes Amendment XVII Allowed public to vote for Senators
Constitution, Amendments 11-27
Amendment XVIII Prohibition of liquor Amendment XIX (1920) Women’s voting rights Amendment XX Succession of Office Meetings for day of Congress
Constitution, Amendments 11-27
Amendment XXI Repealed the 18th Amendment Amendment XXII Term Limit on President two elected terms in office Amendment XXIV Repealed Poll Tax
Constitution, Amendments 11-27
Amendment XXV Succession upon death Filing a vacancy of the Vice President Incapacitation of President or VP
Amendment XXVI Establishes 18 as legal voting age
Amendment XXVII (1992) No pay raise can take effect until an election of Representatives has taken place.
Concepts, Issues based on Constitution
Grants of Power Denials of Power Separation of Power Sharing of Power Checks and balances Federalism Enumerated Powers Supremacy Clause Necessary and Proper Clause Implied Powers