Constitutional Convention - Slavery

In Order to From a More Perfect Union….

Slavery, The Constitution, and Compromise

First a Video on the Constitution…

• Follow along with the lyrics to find out what the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was all about!

• http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9d8ae895ad2591118466

Consider the words…..

• We the People….

• Who does that include? Who does that exclude?

• In order to form a more perfect Union

• Why was it necessary to form a MORE perfect union?

I. The Status of African Americans

• A. The Revolution was a fight for FREEDOM.

• B. African Americans hoped these freedoms would be extended to them as well.

• C. By 1770 Northern states have, or start to, abolish slavery.

II. Viewpoints at the Constitutional Convention

• A. Delegates from 12 states, with diverse backgrounds.

• B. Each wants what is best for their state.

• C. Northern and Southern delegates disagree on the peculiar institution of slavery.

Slavery discourages arts and

manufacturing…and every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.

~George Mason

Southern states and their delegates claimed

that their economies would be in ruins without slavery.

III. Compromise

• A. Most delegates did not want slavery

• B. South Carolina and Georgia would not approve the Constitution if slavery is prohibited.

• C. So if you are a delegate what do you do?

• D. Delegates give in to the South.

IV. The Three-Fifths Compromise

• A. Southerners want to count slaves in the population count.

• B. Why?

• C. = More representatives.

• D. Northerners disagree

• E. COMPROMISE! 3/5 slaves count towards population.

V. Slave Trade Compromise

• A. Northern Delegates argue for the slave trade to be banned entirely.

V. Slave Trade Compromise

• B. COMPROMISE

• C. Congress could not ban the slave trade for 20 years (or until 1807).

VI. Fugitive Slave Act

• A. Slaves = Property

• B. Under this act if a slave escaped to the north, he must be returned to his rightful owner.

VII. In Hindsight

• A. Compromise was necessary to form a federal government.

• B. Delegates did what was PRACTICAL, not what was right.

• C. Slavery will remain a peculiar institution…one that will rip at the seams of our nation.

Question for Consideration…

• With your table group, consider the following question.

• Imagine you are delegates at the Convention of 1787. What is your proposal in regards to the issue of slavery?

I am exceedingly distressed at the proceedings of the Convention – being…almost sure, they will…lay the foundation of a Civil War.

~Elbridge Gerry (Mass.) 1787