whyconstitution

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Why the Constitution?

Read in Chapter 6: "Where Historians Disagree" Jack Rakove's compromises rather than Charles Beard's property interests; Federalists vs Antifederalists; Alexander Hamilton; James Madison; John Adams.

1. Articles of Confederation

became the government of "Critical Period" 1781-89
a "Pepetual Union" of 13 states and summary of 13 articles

2. western lands

Daniel Boone and Kentucky
John Filson and Kentucke
western land ordinances
Northwest Ordinance of 1787 and summary

3. foreign threats

British, J. Brant, Jay-Gardoqui talks 1785-86

4. mobocracy

Daniel Shays, "Rogue Island"

5. finances

Robert Morris

6. interstate trade

Washington's Pawtomack Canal

7. James Madison

"father" of the Constitution
Annapolis Convention of 1786 and report

8. spirit of compromise

Connecticut Compromise = Roger Sherman
- joined by Abraham Baldwin of Ga.
- dual representation
Slave trade = Oliver Ellsworth
- no navigation acts
- "persons" trade for 20 years
- fugitive slave law in Article 4
Slave representation = William Blount
- 3/5 count, census
- Northwest Ordinance July 13
Enumerated powers = Edmund Randolph
- but 18th clause in Art. I "elastic"
Ratification by 9 states = Alexander Hamilton
- federalist vs. anti-federalist
- Hamilton, Madison, Jay write The Federalist Papers
- Bill of Rights added to final Constitution
- 2000 Re-encasement article and National Archives Exhibit

revised 8/15/05 | links | Why Constitution | Class