APUSH: Period 3, 1754-1800 - The Constitutional Convention and Ratification

Why This Matters

The Constitutional Convention and Ratification (1787-1788) is a pivotal moment in American history, marking the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the United States Constitution. This period is significant for understanding the development of American identity, as it showcases the nation's struggle to balance individual rights, federal power, and regional interests. The Constitutional Convention's debates and compromises laid the groundwork for the Constitution's ratification, which in turn shaped the country's future and its relationship with the world.

Key Events & People

• The Annapolis Convention (1786): A gathering of states to address trade issues, which ultimately led to the Constitutional Convention.
• George Washington (1787): Presided over the Constitutional Convention, ensuring its success and legitimacy.
• James Madison (1787): Known as the "Father of the Constitution," he played a crucial role in drafting the document and securing its ratification.
• The Great Compromise (1787): A bicameral legislature was established, with the House of Representatives representing population and the Senate representing equal representation.
• The Three-Fifths Compromise (1787): Slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
• The Virginia Plan (1787): James Madison's proposal for a strong central government, which served as a foundation for the Constitution.
• The New Jersey Plan (1787): A proposal for equal representation among states, which was later incorporated into the Constitution.
• The Federalist Papers (1787-1788): A series of essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay to promote the Constitution's ratification.
• The Anti-Federalist Papers (1787-1788): A series of essays written by opponents of the Constitution, highlighting concerns about federal power and individual rights.
• Ratification (1788): The Constitution was ratified by the necessary number of states, with Virginia being the final state to approve it.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to a call for a constitutional convention.
• Effect: The Constitutional Convention resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution.

• Long-term consequence: The Constitution's ratification established a strong federal government, which has shaped American politics and society ever since.

• Cause: The Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise were made to address regional and economic concerns.

• Effect: These compromises helped secure the ratification of the Constitution.

• Long-term consequence: The Constitution's framework has endured, with the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise being significant examples of the nation's ongoing struggle to balance individual rights and federal power.

• Cause: The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers were written to promote or oppose the Constitution's ratification.

• Effect: These essays helped shape public opinion and ultimately influenced the ratification process.
• Long-term consequence: The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers remain influential works in American political thought, continuing to inform debates about federal power and individual rights.

Essential Vocabulary

• Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
  • Example: The Constitution's framework, which divides power between the federal government and the states.
• Republicanism: A system of government in which power is held by the people or their elected representatives.
  • Example: The Constitution's establishment of a representative democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
• Separation of Powers: A system of government in which power is divided among separate branches (legislative, executive, judicial).
  • Example: The Constitution's establishment of a system of checks and balances, where each branch has some power over the others.
• Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body with two chambers (e.g., the House of Representatives and the Senate).
  • Example: The Constitution's establishment of a bicameral legislature, with the House representing population and the Senate representing equal representation.
• Federalist: A supporter of a strong central government.
  • Example: Alexander Hamilton, who advocated for a strong federal government in the Federalist Papers.
• Anti-Federalist: An opponent of a strong central government.
  • Example: Patrick Henry, who opposed the Constitution's ratification due to concerns about federal power.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Constitutional Convention was held in 1776.
  • Correction: The Constitutional Convention was held in 1787.
• What students often get wrong: James Madison was the only person to attend the Constitutional Convention.
  • Correction: Over 70 individuals attended the Constitutional Convention, with James Madison playing a leading role.
• What students often get wrong: The Three-Fifths Compromise was made to count slaves as full persons for representation and taxation purposes.
  • Correction: The Three-Fifths Compromise counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Federalist Papers in promoting the ratification of the United States Constitution. Be sure to include specific examples from the essays and explain their significance.
  • Evidence: The Federalist Papers, particularly Federalist 10 and Federalist 51, which address concerns about federal power and individual rights.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Constitutional Convention on the development of American politics and society. Be sure to include specific examples from the convention and explain their long-term consequences.
  • Evidence: The Great Compromise, the Three-Fifths Compromise, and the Federalist Papers, which all contributed to the Constitution's ratification and the nation's ongoing struggle to balance individual rights and federal power.
• Possible essay prompt: Compare and contrast the views of James Madison and Patrick Henry on the ratification of the United States Constitution. Be sure to include specific examples from their writings and explain their significance.
  • Evidence: The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers, which reflect the differing views of Madison and Henry on federal power and individual rights.

Quick Self-Check

1. What was the primary purpose of the Constitutional Convention?
   • Correct answer: To draft a new constitution for the United States.
   • Explanation: The Constitutional Convention was held to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a new framework for the federal government.
2. Who presided over the Constitutional Convention?
   • Correct answer: George Washington.
   • Explanation: Washington's leadership helped ensure the convention's success and legitimacy.
3. What was the significance of the Three-Fifths Compromise?
   • Correct answer: It counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
   • Explanation: The Three-Fifths Compromise was a significant compromise that helped secure the ratification of the Constitution, but it also perpetuated the institution of slavery.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• The Constitutional Convention was held in 1787.
• James Madison is known as the "Father of the Constitution."
• The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature.
• The Three-Fifths Compromise counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
• The Federalist Papers were written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.
• The Anti-Federalist Papers were written to oppose the ratification of the Constitution.
• George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention.
• The Constitution was ratified in 1788.
• The Virginia Plan proposed a strong central government.
• The New Jersey Plan proposed equal representation among states.
• The "Gilded Age" was named by Mark Twain – it means glittering on the outside, corrupt inside.