Key Compromises of the U.S. Constitution

Aug 27, 2024

U.S. Constitution Lecture Notes

Introduction

  • Constitutional Convention took place in the summer of 1787.
  • 12 states sent representatives to amend the Articles of Confederation.
  • James Madison led the effort to draft a new constitution.
  • Focus on negotiation and compromise in drafting.

Major Compromises

The Great Compromise

  • Virginia Plan:
    • Advocated for a stronger central government.
    • Bicameral legislature based on population.
  • New Jersey Plan:
    • Suggested amending the Articles of Confederation.
    • Wanted a unicameral Congress, one vote per state.
  • Connecticut Compromise:
    • Established a bicameral legislature:
      • House of Representatives based on population.
      • Senate with equal representation (two senators per state).
    • Grand Committee formed to work out the compromise.
    • Tax and revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives.

The Electoral College

  • Compromise between direct election by citizens and election by Congress.
  • Citizens vote for electors, who then elect the president.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

  • Debate on whether slaves counted as population for representation.
  • Southern states wanted slaves counted as people for representation.
  • Northern states opposed, citing previous southern stance on slave rights.
  • Result: every five slaves count as three people for representation.

Compromise on the Importation of Slaves

  • Northern states wanted to ban the slave trade.
  • Southern states opposed any ban.
  • Compromise allowed slave trade continuation for 20 years post-ratification.
  • Banned on the first possible day, signed by Thomas Jefferson.

Bill of Rights

  • Occurred during ratification debate.
  • Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights.
  • Madison introduced amendments in the first session of Congress, leading to the Bill of Rights.

Amendment Process

  • Article 5 describes two methods for amendment:
    • Two-thirds of both houses propose and three-fourths of states ratify.
    • Two-thirds of state legislatures propose, and three-fourths of states ratify.

Conclusion

  • Constitution provides a framework but leaves many issues open-ended.
  • Allows for future amendments and adaptations.
  • Reminder to check out additional resources.