The Constitutional Convention

The Constitutional Convention

The Articles of Confederation Failed

• There was no strong central (federal) government.

• Each state was basically an independent country.

Another Meeting in Philadelphia

Representatives gathered to come up with a Constitution

Challenge - Strong (but not too strong) federal government.

• Executive / President must be "checked."

• Legislation - representation must be fair.

Virginia Plan

• Two houses for legislature

• Representation based on population.

• Gave more power to big states

New Jersey Plan

• One house for legislature

• Representation based on Statehood

• Each state got equal representation; this favored small states.

The Great Compromise

• Created a Bicameral Legislative branch (two houses)

• Upper House (Senate) each state is equal - 2 Senators

• Lower House (House of Representatives) power is based on population of each state - Minimum of one representative.

Executive Branch

• President elected by the people through electoral college

• Four year term

• Electoral college - the number of electors from each state is equal to total number of representatives in Congress.

Multiple Choice

Which house of Congress has equal representation for each state.

• President

• Senate

• House of Representatives

• Supreme Court

Multiple Choice

Which house of Congress has representation based upon the population of each state?

• President

• Senate

• House of Representatives

• Supreme Court

Multiple Choice

The executive branch is represented by this person.

• Supreme court judge

• President

• Senator

• Representative