The Constitutional Convention
May 25 to September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia
Main people in Constitutional Convention
James Madison (Father of Constitution) Born on March 16, 1751 lived until June 28, 1836. He represented Virginia, and became the chief recorder of information. Argued strongly for a strong central government that would unify the country. Also helped the Virginia plan get signed. Helped get ratification.
Alexander Hamilton age 30 and born Jan. 11, 1757 – July 12, 1804.NY lawyer. Also solider, real estate, public security interests, and land speculation. Supported James to get the Constitutional Convention ratified
George Washington was persuaded to attend. He was chosen to lead the meetings. Was a Virginia planter, surveyor, and land speculator. Also, he sought a commission in the British Army before the Revolution.
Benjamin Franklin age 81 during the Constitutional Convention and born Jan, 17, 1706 and died Apr. 17, 1790. He died the1st year of new government. Inventor, Real Estate and Land Speculation, Lending and Investments, Publisher, Retired.
James Wilson Born September 14, 1742 and died August 28,1798 and did the important work on the details
Edmund Randolph had proposed the Virginia Plan, that called for a strong national government, and created a government with three branches: a two-house legislature, a chief executive chosen by the legislature, and a court system. He refused to sign the final because he had put forth the Virginia Plan, and then felt the final document strayed too far from his own beliefs
Roger Sherman age 66 when joined. Lived April 19, 1721 – July 23, 1793. delegate for Connecticut and suggested what would later be called the Great Compromise. Wrote on behalf of ratification of the Constitution and attended the Ratification Convention. He was a Lawyer, Merchant, Public Security Interests, Cobbler.
George Mason Lived Dec. 11, 1725 – Oct. 7, 1792 and died a few years after getting constitution radiation. For Virginia and refused to sign, because the constitution did not have the bills of right and was frustrated with the Convention's refusal to prohibit the slave trade. Was one of the most important delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and one of the most prominent Founding Fathers.
Elbridge Gerry age 43 at the time. Lived July 17, 1744 – Nov. 23, 1814. For Massachusetts refused to sign, Because the constitution did not have a bill of rights. After the constitution was signed he served as commissioner to France for President Adams during the XYZ affair (1797-1798). Served as Vice President to President James Madison 1813-1814. Was Businessman, Public Security and Interests, Real Estate Land Speculation, Mercantile, Manufacturing and Shipping, Investor.
Major points of disagreement during te New Jersey and Virginia Plans
Virginia Plan
Edmund Randolph was from Virginia; proprosed the plan, and it called for a strong national government.The plan, (which was largely the work of James Madison,) created a government with three branches: a two-house legislature, a chief executive chosen by the legislature, and a court system. The opponents of the Virginia plan rallied around William Paterson of NJ.
New Jersey Plan
Under this plan, the legislature would have a single house, with each state having one vote. Paterson thought that they should not deprive the smaller states of the equality they had under the plan, solved by the Delegates decided to let the states vote and on June 19th, they voted to work on a new constitution based on the Virginia plan.The New Jersey plan gave Congress the power to set taxes, regulate trade, and elect an executive branch made up of more than one person.The New Jersey Plan favored a more powerful government than existed under the Articles but a less powerful government than the Virginia Plan proposed.Only issue still was dividing the large and small states.
The challenges of getting the states to approve to the Constitution
Getting The Constitution conventin ratified
Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihNc_tdGbk
Location: Frankford, NJ, United States