The Plan for Government
A Guide to the Constitution- 1787
Reasons for a New Government
- Government has little power
- System is unorganized
- The states have individual needs, sizes, etc.
- Not allowed to tax and gain weapons
- Shay's rebellion and Trade barriers
- Congress has no power
The Delegates
- 55 White Males
-Representatives of the colonies
- Famous Delegates
-George Washington
-Benjamin Franklin
-James Madison
-Alexander Hamilton
Representation
- How are the states represented?
-Virginia Plan: Based on Population
-New Jersey Plan: Same Power for All
- The Great Compromise
-House of Representatives (VA Plan)
-Senate (NJ Plan)
Slavery
- Should Population Include Slaves?
-Southern delegates said Yes
-Northern delegates said No
- Three-Fifty Compromise
-3/5 of slaves count as the population
-Slave trade was protected for 20 years
Who Has Power?
- System of Federalism Created a Power divided between State/ Federal
- National Powers = Delegated Powers
-Foreign Issues, Trade Between States, National Defense, Coining Money
- States Powers = Reserved Powers
-Education, Manage Laws, Trade in State
Separation of Powers
- Three Branches
-Legislative: Make Laws
-Executive: Enforce Laws
-Judicial: Interpret Laws
- Checks and Balances
-Branches have some power over others
Changing the Government
Methods:
- Adding Amendments
-2/3rds of the House and Senate agree
-2/3 of States agree at Convention