Lesson 8 Sections 3 and 4

The gathering of delegates from 12 states (Rhode Island boycotted) in Philadelphia in 1787 to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation and create a new form of government.

The building in Philadelphia where the Constitutional Convention took place. It's also known as Independence Hall.

The first action of the Constitutional Convention was to elect George Washington as its president. This is because of his respected leadership and role in the Revolutionary War.

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention were primarily wealthy white men with experience in government. They had significant political experience and were considered highly educated.

Rhode Island declined to participate in the Constitutional Convention due to its belief in a strong state government and its distrust of a powerful central government.

Important leaders of the Revolution, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Sam Adams, John Hancock, and Patrick Henry, were absent from the Constitutional Convention due to their concerns about the potential for a national government to infringe on states' rights.

James Madison, delegate from Virginia, is often called the 'Father of the Constitution' due to his extensive preparation and significant contributions during the drafting process.

The average age of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention was 42 years old. Benjamin Franklin, the oldest at 81, was carried to the meetings in a sedan chair.

The delegates at the Constitutional Convention were primarily lawyers and had served in various positions within state governments. This indicated their extensive experience with legal and political matters.

Thomas Jefferson, impressed by the delegates' ability and political expertise, described the Constitutional Convention as a gathering of extraordinary individuals.

The rule of secrecy was a key decision made by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention. It ensured that open and honest discussions could take place without fear of public outcry or interference.

James Madison's extensive notes from the Constitutional Convention provide invaluable insights into the daily interactions and debates of the delegates.

The delegates, despite their shared commitment to ideals like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, had differing opinions on how a strong and effective government should be structured.

The American Revolution and subsequent state constitutions established a tradition of republican ideals, emphasizing representative government and citizen participation.

A key debate at the convention was the question of state representation in the new government. Should states have equal representation or should power be based on population?

The Virginia Plan proposed a strong national government with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, advocating for a strong central authority.

The New Jersey Plan, favored by smaller states, proposed a weaker national government with states having equal representation, preserving the power of individual states.

The delegates agreed to scrap the Articles of Confederation and craft a new Constitution, recognizing the need for a more powerful central governing body.

The delegates, often referred to as framers, faced the crucial decision of whether the government's power should originate from the states or directly from the people.

The delegates disagreed on how the new government should be structured, leading to heated debates and near-collapse of the convention.