The Constitutional Convention (Handout)
Finally, in May 1787, all the states except Rhode
Island agreed to send delegates to a Constitutional
Convention. This convention was held in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. George Washington was
chosen president of the convention.
The Constitutional Convention ended in September
1787. For four months, the delegates discussed and
argued over what was the best form of government
for the young country. At times, it appeared that
the Convention would break up. Eventually, the
Constitution was completed. Many compromises
had been made.
Key Terms & Individuals you Should be familiar With: The Virginia Plan, Edmund
Randolph, Bicameral Legislature, The New Jersey Plan, William Paterson, Connecticut
Compromise, Roger Sherman, Upper House/Senate, Lower House/House of Representatives,
Electoral College, Three-Fifths Rule, The Federalist Papers
The Constitution is the supreme, or highest, law of government. Three Branches of
Government were established by the Constitution, The Executive Branch (The
President) enforces the laws. The Legislative Branch (Congress) makes the laws.
Finally, the Judicial Branch (The Courts) interprets the law. Each Branch is
separate and can check and balance the actions of the other two.
The idea of the Separation of Powers drew on the ideas of French philosopher, Baron de
Montesquieu and his publication, “The Spirit of the Laws”. He argued that a government had
to be able to make, enforce and interpret the laws of the land it governed, and in order to
prevent tyranny, these functions should be divided into three distinct and separate branches.
No branch should be able to gain more power than the other. The delegates at the
convention adopted this idea so that no branch could exceed its specified powers.
Separation of Powers – Checks and Balances (Handout)
Legislative Branch (The Congress)
House of Representatives; Senate.
House and Senate can veto each
other’s bills.
Executive Branch (The President)
Executive office of the President;
executive and cabinet departments;
independent government agencies.
Judicial Branch (The Courts)
Supreme Court, Court of Appeal,
District Courts