Constitutional Period
Caroline Stephens
Articles of Confederation
The first written constitution of the United States.Under these articles, the states remained sovereign and independent, with Congress serving as the last resort on appeal of disputes.The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, leaving most of the power with the state governments.
Separation of Powers
At the national level, they created three different branches of government to administer three different types of power. Within the separation of powers, each of the three branches of the government has " checks and balances "
Three-fifths
Outlined the process for states to count slaves as part of the population in order to determine representation and taxation for the federal government. Southern states wanted to count the slaves while the northern states did not want to count the slaves. Slaves in the south would count 3/5 of a person in regards to taxes and representation.
3 branchs of government
Legislative- Makes laws
-Senate & House of representatives
Executive- Carries out laws
-President, Vice present, & Cabinet
Judicial- Evaluates laws
-Supreme Court & other federal courts
The 3 branches of government have a balance.
Virginia Plan
Created by James Madison but presented to the Constitutional Convention by Edmund Randolph, the governor of Virginia, in 1787. This was a proposal for a new form of government and called for the number of votes each state received in Congress to be based on population rather than each state receiving one vote. The Virginia plan favored the larger states.
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Written by James Madison in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for in individual liberties, the Bill of rights lists specific prohibitions on governmental power. The Anti-federalists were worried about the Constitution so the Bill of Rights were passed simultaneously with the Constitution.
James Madison
Madison composed the first drafts of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and earned the nickname “Father of the Constitution.” Madison often fought for religious freedom, believing it was an individual’s right from birth.In May 1787, delegates from each state came together at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, and Madison was able to present his ideas for an effective government system in his “Virginia Plan,”.
George Mason
His concept of inalienable rights influenced Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. As a member of the Constitutional Convention, Mason advocated strong local government and a weak central government. This led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights.Mason was also a Virginia delegate to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.