The Constitutional Convention Flashcards
Who was at the convention?
Wealthy upperclassmen white men who were selected by state and not legislature (no popular vote). George Washington Benjamin Franklin Alexander Hamilton James Madison Roger Sherman
When was the convention held?
May- September 1787
How many states attended?
All 13 states
Who was not present?
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
What was the function of the convention?
To examine and recommend the changes to the existing Articles of Confederation
Who lead the virginia delegation?
James Madison
What did the Virginia delegation want to achieve?
They wanted to create a new constitution.
Who presented the Virginia Plan?
Edmund Randolph
Who was the presiding officer of the convention?
George Washington-
He was the general that lead the revolutionary war.
He was viewed as a hero and had authority.
He was reluctant to take the role and this worked in his favour.
How many votes did each state have?
Every state had one vote;
This was very democratic, showing that all of the states are equal.
Why were the proceedings held in secret?
The proceedings were held in secret as they were concerned that newspapers would criticise the decisions, tanks would not be democratic.
They feared that people could not make the right decisions as they would be influenced to make the wrong choice.
What did the delegates want the government to be?
The delegates wanted a government that was firm, dignified, respected at home and abroad, strong against instability at home.
What did the delegates decide from the start?
The delegates from the start decided that the Articles of Confederation were too flawed.
What was the Virginia plan?
It was presented by Edmund Randolph, the governor or Virginia.
They wanted three branches with legislature being the strongest.
They wanted a bicameral house with 50% needed to pass legislation. This is similar to the current American constitution.
Strong federal government.
Could veto state laws.
Smaller states objected since they would have no influence/ smaller influence.
What was the New Jersey plan?
Proposed by William Paterson, a delegate.
Presented as a series of amendments to the Articles of Confederation.
Unicameral house (one single body)
Would create and executive, judiciary, federal taxes and federal regulation of trade.
Would require a unanimous vote to pass these taxes and trade regulations, meaning there was very little chance these would be passed.
Larger states rejected since smaller states would have equal power.
