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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 Do you need more resources? GO TO www.ushistroyteachers.com Copyright, © USHistoryTeachers.com All Rights Reserved.