Louis B. Vega
8th Grade Social Studies
Chapter 6 Section 5: A More Perfect Union
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THE GREAT COMPROMISE
who would rule this power
is each state to have equal power
based on population
Virginia Plan - 3 separate branches and
representation by population
New Jersey Plan - left all power in Congress and one
state- one vote
delegates adopted the Virginia Plan
Executive branch headed by
the President
Legislature branch headed by the
Congress: House of Representatives and Senate
Judicial branch headed by
the Judiciary system and
Supreme Court
the smaller states objected over the issue of population
resulting in the Great Compromise
SLAVERY IN THE CONSTITUTION
when the term People was used, it excluded slaves
delegates decided to allow each state to determine who
could vote
no slaves could vote, nor most African freemen by the most
numerous
controversy continued
Three-Fifths Compromise - of a slave were counted in
the population of a state
squeamish about slavery, indirect mention
Congress was denied the power to outlaw bringing slaves
from abroad until 1808
the ban on slavery did not end it
some delegates had guilty consciences about allowing
slavery to co-exist in a free nation
protected the interests of slave owners and to have the
southern colonies stay in the Union
it was thought that slavery was not a problem by this time,
preserve by the compromises, it expanded
the nation struggled with the moral and legal issue
WOMEN AND THE CONSTITUTION
framers allowed slavery to continue
provided no further guarantees to women.
gave women hope of a future change of vote and hold office
THE PRESIDENCY
the most drastic change was the creation of a strong
presidency
the Articles of Confederation had no CEO
was to be:
administrating the laws passed by Congress
commander of armed forces
in charge of foreign affairs
appoint judges
veto laws passed by Congress
all assumed that George Washington was to be first
office given much power
admired and trusted, worthy of talents
electors were chosen by as many senators and
representatives where in Congress
met to vote for the president's successor
would vote for two people
candidate with largest vote became president
reasons for electoral college:
country was large
communication
THE CONGRESS
Lower House: House of Representatives that represented the
ordinary people
Upper House: Senate that served as an advisory council
-gave "advice and consent" to any
decisions
-represented the interests of the rich and well to do
THE JUDICIARY
-court system separated from any states system
- The Supreme Court
1. have District Courts
2. have Appellate Courts
3. have life time appointments
CHECKS AND BALANCES
-to prevent tyranny, divided powers by:
1. veto: reject bills by President
2. override: by 2/3 majority of Congress
3. Commander in Chief: President
4.Congress: can only declare war
5. President: can only negotiate treaties-and be 2/3
passed by Senate, appoint judges, ambassadors and can be impeached by 2/3
RATIFYING THE CONSTITUTION
-the Constitution needed 2/3 vote only
-states sent delegates to the ratifying
convention
-opinions where divided
1. those in favor: called Federalists
2. those against: called Anti-Federalists
-there was no pubic poll available, there was fear
of loss of state control
-1788 Convention at Boston, met for a month
-Anti Federalist had the majority
-Sam Adams was persuaded to vote in favor, the
revolutionary
-Hamilton was assured that no one would run against
him
-the Constitution would have a system of amendments
-New York was resistant, Hamilton wrote the Federalist
Papers supporting the document
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
-1ST Congress elected in 1789
-chose electors for presidential race
-New York was the temp capital
-George Washington won over John Adams, the lawyer