Constitutional Convention and amendments

vocabulary

• Federal -- the states share power with the central government 
• Republic -- a government in which the citizens elect leaders to lead them
• Compromise -- both sides give up something to settle a disagreement 
• Ratify -- to accept
•  Amendment -- a change to the Constitution

Important people

• James Madison -- was a member of Congress and a delegate of Virginia
• George Washington -- was the leader of the Constitutional Convention
• Benjamin Franklin -- represented Pennsylvania and respected for his wisdom
• Thomas Jefferson --  wanted a Bill of Rights that became accepted

Constitutional Convention facts

• 55 delegates
• Lasted from May 25 to September 18, 1787
• Held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia 
• Delegates from every state came except Rhode Island
• Delegates had to make a compromise called the Three-fifths Rule

Amendment Facts

• There are three voting right amendments
• The first ten amendments were called the Bill of Rights 
• Three-fourths of the states must accept an amendment
• Twenty-seven amendments were added to the Constitution
• In 1791, the first amendments were ratified

important amendments

• 1. Freedom of religion and speech.
• 6. Everybody is entitled to a trial.
• 13. Slavery is illegal in the United States.
• 15. Citizens won't be denied the right to vote on account of race and color
• 22. You cannot be President for more than two terms.

important amendments (continued)

• 26. You are able to vote when you're 18 years old or older.

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