Constitutional Convention Research Article from History Firsthand

This Study Guide consists of approximately 224 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Constitutional Convention.

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Introduction

An Overview of the Articles' Powers and Procedures

The Successes and Failures of the Articles of Confederation

The Annapolis Convention

Shays's Rebellion

The Constitutional Convention

The Delegates to the Convention

The Process of Creating a New Government

Representation: The Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Great Compromise

Slavery and the Three-Fifths Compromise

The Presidency

Signing the Document

Ratification Debate and the Bill of Rights

The Ongoing History of the U.S. Constitution

Chapter 1 Signs of a Failing System

Chapter Preface

An Early Critique of the Articles of Confederation

Caution Against a Constitutional Convention

General Washington Worries About Shays's Rebellion

A Prominent Woman Analyzes Shays's Rebellion

Putting Down the Rebellion

Chapter 2 The Workings of the Convention

Chapter Preface

Preparations for the Convention

Character Sketches of the Framers

A Convention Update for an Interested Bystander

Rumors from Outside the Convention

Wrapping-Up the Convention

Chapter 3 Major Debates in the Convention

Chapter Preface

Representation: Population or Equality of the States?

The President: Creating an American King?

Slavery and the Slave Trade

Chapter 4 Reactions to the Finished Product

Chapter Preface

The Father of the Constitution Takes Stock

An American in Paris Reacts

A List of Faults of the Constitution

An Antifederalist Attack on the Constitution

A Federalist Defense

Chapter 5 The Ratification Debate and the Bill of Rights

Chapter Preface

A Passionate Call for Ratification

A Spirited Attack by a Famous Patriot

The Ratification Compromise: Ratify with Amendments

Ambivalence Toward a Bill of Rights

The Need for a Bill of Rights

Appendix: The Delegates to the Constitutional Convention

Chronology

For Further Research

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Constitutional Convention Research Article from History Firsthand

This Study Guide consists of approximately 224 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Constitutional Convention.