Constitutional Convention - StudentDocs

Constitutional Convention Name:
Time For a Change

During the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers met to develop a
government that would take over as soon as the British left. By 1777, they had
written the Articles of Confederation, which created the first United States
government. Under the Articles, the states joined together in an alliance of
separate state powers with a very weak central government. For example, the
government could not collect taxes or keep a standing military. After ten years,
the Founding Fathers realized the Articles created a government that was too
weak to work! They decided it was time for a change.
Where Do We Start?
The Founding Fathers wanted a stronger government that had more authority with
the states. Representatives from each state gathered in Philadelphia on May 14,
1787 to discuss possible changes. They agreed on a federalist government,
where a central power would oversee and share authority with the states. To
make sure the federal government did not gain too much power, they created
three branches to provide for checks and balances. The legislative branch would
make the laws, the judicial branch would interpret the laws, and the executive
branch would enforce the laws. This solved many problems, but one large issue
remained: how would the states be represented in this new federal government?
Moving Forward
The Senate
At first, the bigger states wanted the population of a state to determine the amount
+
The House of
of representation. But the smaller states called foul! The bigger states would end
up deciding the laws for everyone. The smaller states suggested that each state
Representatives have an equal number of representatives. But that would end up giving smaller
states too much power. Finally delegates from Connecticut submitted a solution:
Why not have two houses make up the legislative branch? The Senate would have
Bicameral an equal number of representatives from each state. Representation in the House
Representation of Representatives would be based on the state’s population. This model is called
bicameral representation and helped the delegates find a compromise.
Wrapping Up
Between May and September 1787, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention
compromised on many issues in order to unite and build a strong national
government. They decided the office of the executive would consist of one person
and that the national government would have the power to tax and to create a
military. These decisions determined that the new federal government would have
more authority than before. Some delegates disagreed with the new system, but
many of their concerns would be addressed when the Bill of Rights was added to
the Constitution in 1789.
Independence Hall,
Philadelphia
Looking Ahead
At the end of the Constitutional Convention, the delegates signed the
Constitution. Many saw a bright future ahead for the United States. The
document guarantees a government with three branches based on a system of
checks and balances. The delegates of the Convention successfully created a
government that addressed the needs of small and large states alike, while
providing for a federal government that would tie them together.
Influence Library Constitutional Convention p.1
Constitutional Convention Name:
A. Let’s Fix It! The Founding Fathers gathered to fix the Articles of Confederation which left the United
States weak and broke! Draw a line to match the weakness found in the Articles with the solutions
proposed in the Constitution.
A alliance of separate powers with a weak The federal government would consist of three
central government. branches; the executive, legislative, and judicial.
The states had allThethe power. The national government has the power to tax.
Articles of Confederation left
the U.S. broke.
A federalist government where a central power
All states had one vote—regardless of size. would share authority with the sates.
A strong national government unifying the states.

No executive office to enforce laws.
A bicameral legislature made of the House and

Only states could collect and use taxes. Senate.
B. Just Strong Enough. The Founding Fathers C. What Do You See? Throughout the
wanted to build a stronger federal government Convention, Washington sat in a chair that had
that would never become too powerful. half of a sun carved into the back. At the signing
of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin said, “I
Decide whether each statement was meant to
have the happiness to know that it is a rising
strengthen the central government (S) or limit
and not a setting sun.”
the central government (L).
___ 1. The Bill of Rights guarantees that the

government will protect the rights of What do you think Franklin meant?
individuals and states.
___ 2. The federal government will be divided into

three branches to provide checks and
balances.
___ 3. A federal government guarantees that the

central power will oversee and share power
with the states.
___ 4. Bicameral representation will guarantee that

neither the small states nor large states
end up with too much power in the
legislative branch.
___ 5. The federal government will have the power

to coin money and regulate trade.
___ 6. The Executive office of the federal

government will consist of one person, the
president.
Influence Library Constitutional Convention p.2

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Constitutional Convention Name:

Time For a Change

A strong national government unifying the states.

A bicameral legislature made of the House and

___ 1. The Bill of Rights guarantees that the

___ 2. The federal government will be divided into

___ 3. A federal government guarantees that the

___ 4. Bicameral representation will guarantee that

___ 5. The federal government will have the power

___ 6. The Executive office of the federal

Influence Library Constitutional Convention p.2

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