Bell-ringer (in your spiral!) What were the Articles of Confederation? What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

Bell-ringer (in your spiral!)

• What were the Articles of Confederation?

• What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

A Letter of Invitation

• On February 21, 1787, the Continental Congress resolved that:

...it is expedient that on the second Monday in May next a Convention of delegates who shall have been appointed by the several States be held at Philladelphia for the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation...

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

• Majority of power was granted to States• Congress had no right to tax, difficult to keep

finances in order• To change or amend the Articles, unanimous

consent of all states was required. • There was no central military or monetary

system.

The Constitutional Convention

• The Constitutional Convention of 1787 proposed a new constitution establishing a much stronger national government.

Tonight’s Homework

• http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/constitution-day/signers.html

• Use the above website to research the signer of the Constitution that you were assigned. Create a Facebook Profile of this signer of the Constitutional Convention.– Consider the following

• Who are they? What are their credentials? Did they have an impact on the shape of the Constitution? Bring a half-page write up in tomorrow and be prepared to share it with the class!

Bell ringer

• If you were asked to create a new government, what would you make sure it included?

• What would it look like? Who would rule? How?

Today’s Agenda

• Bell-ringer

• Constitutional Convention– Meet in groups, complete “Creating a

Government” guide– Constitutional Convention• Discuss and deliberate

– Homework: Complete “A Government Created”

Welcome to the Constitutional Convention

Philadelphia, Summer 1787

Important Issues to Consider

• What type of leader should we have?

• Who should be allowed to vote?

• How will each state be represented?

• Should slaves be considered people?

• Your state’s population and geographic location should help you answer all of the above.

Slaves in the 13 Colonies