Constitutional Debate and Compromise
This page delves into the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the debates surrounding the creation of the new U.S. Constitution. It examines key compromises and arguments between different factions.
The Connecticut Compromise (also called the Great Compromise) established the bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states. This resolved a major point of contention between supporters of the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan.
Vocabulary: Bicameralism refers to a legislative system with two chambers or houses.
The debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists is explored, highlighting their differing views on central government power. The Federalist Papers, particularly numbers 10 and 51 written by James Madison, are discussed as important arguments in favor of the Constitution.
Quote: "Federalist Paper #10 discusses the importance of factions, arguing that factions are inevitable, but are best handled by a large republic."
The page also covers compromises between Northern and Southern states, including the infamous Three-Fifths Compromise which counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.
A table compares weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation with how the Constitution addressed these issues, demonstrating the strengthened federal powers in areas like taxation and interstate commerce.