Download The Constitution of the United States: Part 2

The Constitution of the
United States: Part 2
1. Colonization and Forging a Nation
H. Identify the impetus (motivation) for the
Constitutional Convention (limitations of
government under the Articles of
Confederation), and analyze the events and
outcomes of the Convention (i.e., the
“bundle of compromises”)
I. Interpret the ideas and principles expressed
in the U.S. Constitution
J. Explain the development of the Bill of Rights,
and assess various debates of the day
A Compromise Comes About
-Small states wanted William Paterson’s plan of
one legislative body in which all states got the
same amount of representation instead of the
Virginia Plan.
-The Great Compromise of Roger Sherman
suggested having a Senate of equal representation
and a House of Representatives based on
population.
-The 3/5 Compromise also was adopted. It stated
the South could count slaves as 3/5 of a person.
Separation of Powers
-The founders made 3 branches to the
government.
-These included the legislative, executive, and
judicial branches that provided “checks and
balances” of power.
-This was an idea from the Enlightenment thinker
Montesquieu, who taught that government must
divide its power to prevent dictators and
monarchs.
The 3 Branches of
the USA Government
Federalists vs. Antifederalists
-After the Constitution was drafted, it had to be
ratified. Only after ratification would it be the official
law.
-Federalists supported the Constitution and felt the
failed experiment of the Articles of Confederation
displayed the need for a strong central government.
-Antifederalists opposed the strong central
government the Constitution would create and felt it
was flawed for not guaranteeing individual rights.
Ratifying the Constitution
-Antifederalists demanded a Bill of Rights for
individuals be added to the Constitution, if it
did pass, to guarantee protection of individual
rights.
-James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John
Jay wrote a series of opinions called The
Federalist Papers.
-They defended the Constitution’s ratification.
The Federalist Papers
Published in 1788
Top: James Madison Bottom: Alexander Hamilton & John Jay
American leaders discuss the Ratification of the
Constitution.
Adoption of the Bill of Rights, the first 10
Amendments
-The Bill of Rights protected the freedom of
religion, speech, press, and political activity.
-It gave citizens the right to bear arms and denied
the government the authority to force citizens to
house and quarter troops.
-Citizens also could not be searched without a
warrant and it protected individuals accused of
crimes.
Guaranteed Individual Rights
-These first 10 Amendments were meant partially
to calm the fears of the Antifederalists.
-These amendments displayed that, in the new
Constitutional government, individuals would be
guaranteed rights.
-The impact of the Enlightenment was obvious. For
instance, the freedom of speech was guaranteed.
This was something Voltaire, an Enlightenment
thinker, insisted all governments needed.
The Three Sections of the USA Constitution
-The Preamble, which is the opening statement, says
this: We the people of the United States, in order to
form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure
domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings
of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and
establish this Constitution for the United States of
America.
-The Articles form the structure of the federal
government and the 3 branches of the government.
-The Amendments are changes and additions added later.
The first 10 Amendments are the Bill of Rights.
THE
END
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