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Teach PA History
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We the People
Background Information for Teachers

During the hot summer of 1787, a group of men who would be known as the framers of the Constitution, convened in Philadelphia in order to create the document of highest law of our land, the Constitution of the United States. Twelve of the thirteen colonies were represented–Rhode Island was absent–by men of all kinds of professions and dispositions. Among them were eight people representing Pennsylvania–four merchants, three lawyers, and an inventor. Pennsylvania's representation was larger than any other states", and it played an important role in the creation of the Constitution. As their state was experiencing much internal conflict, Pennsylvania representatives were particularly sensitive to varying perspectives, and they became good compromisers. Philadelphian Benjamin Franklin, in fact, played a key role as an effective compromiser. The framers at the Convention collaborated, occasionally collided, ultimately compromised and, in the end, created a document based on federalism which has stood the test of time. Given the tall task at hand, the diverse backgrounds and interests of the framers, and the circumstances of the heat compounded by closed windows to maintain secrecy of the convention, it is amazing these men were able to accomplish anything at all! Below is their opening statement, otherwise known as the Preamble, in which they succinctly lay forth the purpose of the document:


We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.


When the convention was over, however, the process for passing the document had just begun. In order for the Constitution to pass, it had to be ratified by two-thirds of the states (although it was hoped to be approved by all thirteen states). It took some time, but all thirteen states finally did approve and sign it. One of the major concerns–expressed both by a minority of framers and a number of states in the ratification process–was that Constitution would not protect the rights of the people because it had no Bill of Rights. Promises were made to add a bill of rights and the Constitution passed. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments of the Constitution and a very essential part of our daily lives. It guarantees such critical rights as our freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom to a fair trial.

In this lesson, your students will be making connections between the reasons for the Constitution listed in the Preamble and the freedoms listed in The Bill of Rights.

For additional information see Pennsylvania and the New Nation

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