The Federal Constitution (1786-1788)

Sections: Shay's Rebellion: A laborer's account Annapolis Convention of 1786 Federalist Paper 21 The Virginia Plan The New Jersey Plan Drafting the Constitution: An Early Draft Drafting the Constitution: The Charles Pinckney Plan Drafting the Constitution: The Notes of Alexander Hamilton The Constitution Support for the New Constitution: John Jay Support for the New Constitution: Alexander Hamilton Opposition to the New Constitution: Elbridge Gerry Opposition to the New Constitution: The Yeoman Farmers

Shay's Rebellion: A laborer's account Top Historical Context Shay's Rebellion was a revolt by farmers in debt in Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787. The revolt was part of a widespread discontent among farmers and small property owners. The rebellion was named for Daniel Shays. A Revolutionary War soldier and politician, he had sympathized with the debtors. Shay's Rebellion aroused fear nationally. It provided proof to some that the Article of Confederation did not provide for a strong enough federal government. It is one of the reasons why the Article was replaced by our current constitution. Attached Documents The following excerpt is from William Manning, a Massachusetts laborer explaining the rebellion in his own words. Questions to Consider 1) What were the issues that caused the farmers to rebel? 2) Why was there a need for a stronger central government? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Shay's Rebellion was a revolt by farmers in debt in Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787. The revolt was part of a widespread discontent among farmers and small property owners. The rebellion was named for Daniel Shays. A Revolutionary War soldier and politician, he had sympathized with the debtors. Shay's Rebellion aroused fear nationally. It provided proof to some that the Article of Confederation did not provide for a strong enough federal government. It is one of the reasons why <br> the Article was replaced by our current constitution.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The following excerpt is from William Manning, a Massachusetts laborer explaining the rebellion in his own words.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What were the issues that caused the farmers to rebel?<br> 2) Why was there a need for a stronger central government?      William_Manning.rtf   Citations: Link to William Manning Document: http:// historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5836/ Link to William Manning Document: <a href="http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5836/">http:// historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5836/</a>

Annapolis Convention of 1786 Top Attached Documents The Annapolis Convention was organized in 1786, primarily to address issues related to commerce. Some people in attendance, however, particularly James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, used the meeting as a platform for advocating a new form of government for the United States. Questions to Consider 1) What were some of the issues brought up in the convention? 2) What issues ended up in the final constitution? <i>Attached Documents</i><br>The Annapolis Convention was organized in 1786, primarily to address issues related to commerce. Some people in attendance, however, particularly James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, used the meeting as a platform for advocating a new form of government for the United States.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What were some of the issues brought up in the convention?<br> 2) What issues ended up in the final constitution?      Annapolis_Convention.rtf   Citations: Link to Annapolis Convention Document: http://www. yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/annapoli.htm Link to Annapolis Convention Document: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/annapoli.htm">http://www. yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/annapoli.htm</a>

Federalist Paper 21 Top Attached Documents While all of the Federalist Papers serve to explain the rationale of the Federalist cause, Federalist #21,written by Alexander Hamilton, specifically calls for the end of the Articles of Confederation. In #21, Hamilton outlines the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and why it should be replaced. Provided below is an excerpt from this Federalist Paper. Questions to Consider 1) In what ways did the Federalist Papers, particularly #21 shape the influence of the Constitution? <i>Attached Documents</i><br>While all of the Federalist Papers serve to explain the rationale of the Federalist cause, Federalist #21,written by Alexander Hamilton, specifically calls for the end of the Articles of Confederation. In #21, Hamilton outlines the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and why it should be replaced. Provided below is an excerpt from this Federalist Paper.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) In what ways did the Federalist Papers, particularly #21 shape the influence of the Constitution?      Federalist 21.rtf   Citations: Link to Federalist #21: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/federal/fed21.htm Link to Federalist #21: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/federal/fed21.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/federal/fed21.htm</a>

The Virginia Plan Top Historical Context During the Annapolis Convention in the Spring of 1787 there emerged competition among the prevalent views concerning the eventual distribution of power between the States and the central government. Attached Documents The Virginia delegation arrived to the Annapolis Convention early, armed with a plan for the revision of the Articles of Confederation that placed considerable power both in the hands of the proposed central government and in the hands of the more powerful states, such as Virginia, itself. To counter this view, the New Jersey delegation created its own plan, which awarded more power to the smaller States. While many variations on these viewpoints were yet to be proposed and debated, the central tenets of the Virginia and New Jersey plans afforded a workable compromise which formed the basis of the new Constitution. Questions to Consider 1) What were the major themes of the Virginia Plan? How was it different from the New Jersey Plan? 2) What ideas were extrapolated from this plan and ended up in the final constitution? <i>Historical Context</i><br>During the Annapolis Convention in the Spring of 1787 there emerged competition among the prevalent views concerning the eventual distribution of power between the States and the central government. <br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The Virginia delegation arrived to the Annapolis Convention early, armed with a plan for the revision of the Articles of Confederation that placed considerable power both in the hands of the proposed central government and in the hands of the more powerful states, such as Virginia, itself. To counter this view, the New Jersey delegation created its own plan, which awarded more power to the smaller States. While many variations on these viewpoints were yet to be proposed and debated, the central tenets of the Virginia and New Jersey plans afforded a workable compromise which formed the basis of the new Constitution.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What were the major themes of the Virginia Plan? How was it different from the New Jersey Plan?<br> 2) What ideas were extrapolated from this plan and ended up in the final constitution?      The Virginia Plan.rtf   Citations: Link to the Virginia Plan: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/vatextb.htm Link to the Virginia Plan: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/vatextb.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/vatextb.htm</a>

The New Jersey Plan Top Attached Documents The New Jersey Plan, contrary to the Virginia Plan called for more rights and powers to the smaller states, as their numbers were in fact greater than those of the larger states. Compromise and coalitions among the smaller states were envisioned within the New Jersey Plan. The New Jersey Plan focused heavily on the issues of representation addressed in the Virginia Plan. Fearful that both legislative bodies would favor larger states, the New Jersey Plan became the blueprint for the United State's modern day Senate. Questions to Consider 1) Contrast the Virginia and New Jersey Plans? Which plan do you think was better? Explain your answer. <i>Attached Documents</i><br>The New Jersey Plan, contrary to the Virginia Plan called for more rights and powers to the smaller states, as their numbers were in fact greater than those of the larger states. Compromise and coalitions among the smaller states were envisioned within the New Jersey Plan. The New Jersey Plan focused heavily on the issues of representation addressed in the Virginia Plan. Fearful that both legislative bodies would favor larger states, the New Jersey Plan became the blueprint for the United State's modern day Senate.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) Contrast the Virginia and New Jersey Plans? Which plan do you think was better? Explain your answer.      The New Jersey Plan.rtf   Citations: Link to the New Jersey Plan: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/patextb.htm Link to the New Jersey Plan: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/patextb.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/patextb.htm</a>

Drafting the Constitution: An Early Draft Top Historical Context The new constitution went through several drafts. Attached Documents The following document is an excerpt of an early draft of the Constitution, drafted nearly two months before the final Constitution was completed. It should be noted that the Constitution ultimately adopted was actually much shorter than this early draft. Questions to Consider 1) Why do you think the framers of the Constitution ultimately decided to shorten the document? 2) What possible strengths and potential problems might a brief constitution present compared to a much longer and more detailed one? <i>Historical Context</i><br>The new constitution went through several drafts.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br>The following document is an excerpt of an early draft of the Constitution, drafted nearly two months before the final Constitution was completed. It should be noted that the Constitution ultimately adopted was actually much shorter than this early draft.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) Why do you think the framers of the Constitution ultimately decided to shorten the document? <br> 2) What possible strengths and potential problems might a brief constitution present compared to a much longer and more detailed one?      Early Draft.rtf   Citations: Link to the Early Draft of the Constitution: http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst/draft.html Link to the Early Draft of the Constitution: <a href="http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/ usconst/draft.html">http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst/draft.html</a>

Drafting the Constitution: The Charles Pinckney Plan Top Attached Documents As a delegate to the 1787 U.S. Constitutional Convention, Charles Pinckney submitted a plan for a new Constitution. It should be noted that although the Pinckney Plan's exact provisions are not entirely clear, the Pinckney Plan was known to have considerable influence on the final draft. Questions to Consider 1) What are the similarities between Pinckney's plan and the final draft of the Constitution? 2) What are some differences? Do you detect any biases in Pinckney's writing? <i>Attached Documents</i><br>As a delegate to the 1787 U.S. Constitutional Convention, Charles Pinckney submitted a plan for a new Constitution. It should be noted that although the Pinckney Plan's exact provisions are not entirely clear, the Pinckney Plan was known to have considerable influence on the final draft.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What are the similarities between Pinckney's plan and the final draft of the Constitution?<br> 2) What are some differences? Do you detect any biases in Pinckney's writing?      Charles Pinckney Plan.rtf   Citations: Link to the Charles Pinckney Plan: http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/pinckney.htm Link to the Charles Pinckney Plan: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/pinckney.htm">http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/pinckney.htm</a>

Drafting the Constitution: The Notes of Alexander Hamilton Top Historical Context Many participated in the drafting of the US Constitution. The influence of particular people is rather evident. Alexander Hamilton, a known Federalist was far-reaching in both his influence and his involvement in the process. Attached Documents The following document is a collection of notes taken by Hamilton during the drafting process. Questions to Consider 1)In what ways are Hamilton's influences evident in the final draft of the Constitution? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Many participated in the drafting of the US Constitution. The influence of particular people is rather evident. Alexander Hamilton, a known Federalist was far-reaching in both his influence and his involvement in the process.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The following document is a collection of notes taken by Hamilton during the drafting process.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1)In what ways are Hamilton's influences evident in the final draft of the Constitution?      Hamilton Notes.rtf   Citations: Link to Hamilton's Notes: http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/const05.htm Link to Hamilton's Notes: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/const05.htm">http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/const/const05.htm</a>

The Constitution Top      Signers of the Constitution.rtf   Citations: Link to Signers Picture: http://www.southalabama.edu/constitutionday Link to Signers Document: http:// hercules.gcsu.edu/~hedmonds/U.S.%20Constitution/Constitution%20signers.htm Link to Signers Picture: <a href="http://www.southalabama.edu/constitutionday">http://www.southalabama.edu/constitutionday</a><br> Link to Signers Document: <a href="http:// hercules.gcsu.edu/~hedmonds/U.S.%20Constitution/Constitution%20signers.htm">http:// hercules.gcsu.edu/~hedmonds/U.S.%20Constitution/Constitution%20signers.htm</a>

Support for the New Constitution: John Jay Top Attached Documents In the speech excerpted below, John Jay of New York, encourages his fellow New Yorkers to embrace the Constitution of the United States. A staunch Federalist, Jay felt it his duty to extol the virtues of the new Constitution. Because of his position as a statesman, Jay was able to use his reputation to convince New Yorkers to accept the new Constitution. Ultimately, John Jay proved to be quite influential in the ratification of the new federal Constitution. Questions to Consider 1) What qualities did he think the group possessed? Why did he believe that the Constitution should be accepted by the citizens of New York? 2) Why did he think rejection of the Constitution would be a bad idea? <i>Attached Documents</i><br>In the speech excerpted below, John Jay of New York, encourages his fellow New Yorkers to embrace the Constitution of the United States. A staunch Federalist, Jay felt it his duty to extol the virtues of the new Constitution. Because of his position as a statesman, Jay was able to use his reputation to convince New Yorkers to accept the new Constitution. Ultimately, John Jay proved to be quite influential in the ratification of the new federal Constitution.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What qualities did he think the group possessed? Why did he believe that the Constitution should be accepted by the citizens of New York?<br> 2) Why did he think rejection of the Constitution would be a bad idea?      John Jay Speech.rtf   Citations: Link to the John Jay Speech: http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst/johnjay.html Link to the John Jay Speech: <a href="http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst /johnjay.html">http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst/johnjay.html</a>

Support for the New Constitution: Alexander Hamilton Top Attached Documents The following document is a speech delivered by Alexander Hamilton in 1788 at the New York convention. Much like John Jay, Hamilton expertly used his reputation to convince those at the New York convention that support for the new Constitution is ultimately beneficial to the country. Questions to Consider 1) What issues does Hamilton address in his speech? 2) Why do you think Hamilton so strongly supported the new Constitution? Do you agree with Hamilton? Why or why not? <i>Attached Documents</i><br>The following document is a speech delivered by Alexander Hamilton in 1788 at the New York convention. Much like John Jay, Hamilton expertly used his reputation to convince those at the New York convention that support for the new Constitution is ultimately beneficial to the country.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What issues does Hamilton address in his speech?<br> 2) Why do you think Hamilton so strongly supported the new Constitution? Do you agree with Hamilton? Why or why not?      Hamilton Speech.rtf   Citations: Link to Hamilton's Speech: http://www.nationalcenter.org/AlexanderHamilton.html Link to Hamilton's Speech: <a href="http://www.nationalcenter.org/AlexanderHamilton.html"> http://www.nationalcenter.org/AlexanderHamilton.html</a>

Opposition to the New Constitution: Elbridge Gerry Top Historical Context Of the 42 delegates who remained until the end of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, 39 signed the document. Among the three who did not sign the Constitution of the United States was Elbridge Gerry, a delegate from Massachusetts. Attached Documents A letter written by Gerry to the Massachusetts state legislature appears below. In the letter, Gerry describes why he did not sign the Constitution. Questions to Consider 1) What objections did Gerry raise with the Constitution? 2) Do you think Gerry was right not to sign the Constitution? Why or why not? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Of the 42 delegates who remained until the end of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, 39 signed the document. Among the three who did not sign the Constitution of the United States was Elbridge Gerry, a delegate from Massachusetts.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> A letter written by Gerry to the Massachusetts state legislature appears below. In the letter, Gerry describes why he did not sign the Constitution.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What objections did Gerry raise with the Constitution?<br> 2) Do you think Gerry was right not to sign the Constitution? Why or why not?      Elbridge_Gerry.rtf   Citations: Link to Elbridge Gerry Address: http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst/egerry.html Link to Elbridge Gerry Address: <a href="http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/ newnatn/usconst/egerry.html">http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/newnatn/usconst/egerry.html</a>

Opposition to the New Constitution: The Yeoman Farmers Top Historical Context The Constitution of the United States was composed in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. Afterward, ratifying conventions were held in the states. In Massachusetts, site of the previous year’s Shay’s Rebellion, ratification did not go uncontested. Attached Documents Farmers from the western part of the state, known as yeomen farmers, signed the following letter published in the Massachusetts Gazette in January of 1788. The signatories were suspicious of the power that the Constitution appeared to centralize into elite hands. Questions to Consider 1) What are the issues outlined by the yeoman farmers? <i>Historical Context</i><br>The Constitution of the United States was composed in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. Afterward, ratifying conventions were held in the states. In Massachusetts, site of the previous year’s Shay’s Rebellion, ratification did not go uncontested.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Farmers from the western part of the state, known as yeomen farmers, signed the following letter published in the Massachusetts Gazette in January of 1788. The signatories were suspicious of the power that the Constitution appeared to centralize into elite hands.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What are the issues outlined by the yeoman farmers?      Yeomen Opposition.rtf   Citations: Link to Yeomen Farmer Document: http://historymatters. gmu.edu/d/6213/ Link to Yeomen Farmer Document: <a href="http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/6213/">http://historymatters. gmu.edu/d/6213/</a>

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