The Road to the
Constitution
“The Sun Chair”
During the
Constitutional
Convention, Ben
Franklin often
gazed at the back
of this chair
wondering if the
sun was rising or
setting…
They met in Philadelphia…
Congress said they could meet to
“revise” the Articles…
 The Virginia Plan: Intro. from the
start. Set the course, drawn up by
Federalists!
 Main points: two chambered house
w/much power and delegates based

on population.

New Jersey Plan: called for a stronger
Congress, but single chamber, & vote
Independence Hall
What were some significant
compromises in building the
Constitution?
 The Great Compromise: bicameral
Congress; House by population,
Senators two per state. (AKA Conn.)
House of
Representatives
Senate
By Population
2 Per State
The U.S. in 1787
Other compromises: North-South
Compromise, 3/5 Compromise (slavery)
 What they were doing was not exactly
legal! (It was NOT revision)

The Ratification Struggle…
The Anti-Federalists were not happy.
Most delegates were Federalists, in
secret! Too powerful central govt!
Wanted a revision!
 Federalists respond with essays aimed
at winning public support. (NY!)

The Federalist Papers
Written by “Publius”?
 Madison and Hamilton

These authors
were all, “Well-
read, well bred,
well-fed, and
well-wed!”
Reflected the interests of
the propertied class.
Civics: Federalist Papers Activity/Jigsaw
Madison on Federalist #51

The need for separation of powers
Ultimately, this was needed…
The Bill of Rights!
 Seen as a safeguard
 What was the big deal?
 Rights are inherent, or
are they?

What is the significance of the Bill
of Rights?
The Preamble of the
Constitution
The famous “faked” painting
James Madison is
known as the
father of the
Constitution. Can
you spot him?
Who were the major players in
developing the Constitution?
Major characteristics of the
Constitution:
Limited Government: both grants and
denials of power
 Power to offset power such as…
separation of powers
 Also, institutions sharing power,
known as checks and balances

South Carolinian founders
Adams and his influence with
Checks and balances
Does one branch outweigh another?
Also…
 The
Bill of Rights: (know them)
 Judicial review: came later! The
power of the courts to declare
laws and actions of the legislature
“unconstitutional”
 Federalism:
division of political
authority between nat. and state
Judicial review
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
 John Marshall,


Chief Justice
He was a Federalist!
A little about judicial review
Providing for “Self
Government”
Remember that “tyranny of majority”?
 Democracy v. Republic
 Went with limited popular rule (reps)
 ex. The Electoral College

Were the founders also influenced
by Ancient Rome?
AP Govt: Reading on Tocqueville & CP Six Basic Principles
DVD Constitutional Concepts