Lesson 8.3 Opening the Constitutional Convention Flashcards
Describe the role of George Washington at the Constitutional Convention.
He presided over the convention and made sure the rules were enforced
Describe the role of James Madison during the Constitutional Convention.
Known as the “Father of the Constitution,” he was the best-prepared delegate, spoke numerous times, and kept the best records.
Why did the important leaders Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Patrick Henry not attend the convention?
Adams, Hancock, and Henry feared that a stronger national government would hurt the rights of the states.
The delegates at the Constitutional Convention had differing views on how powerful the national government should be.
Some thought the states should have most of the power, some thought the central government needs to be stronger.
What did delegates for a strong national government believe?
Government should protect “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The government’s powers come from the people. The best way to protect rights is with a republic.
What did delegates for stronger state governments (weaker national government) believe?
A strong national government could threaten individual liberty. The state governments are closer to the people’s control and so should have more power than the national government.
List one belief that these two types of delegates shared.
The national government should have more power so it can do its job of protecting the people’s rights. Under the Articles of Confederation, which gives more power to the states, the nation is falling apart.
