Hip Hughes History: The Constitutional Convention and Compromises

Introduction

• Focus on the Constitutional Convention of 1787
• Important compromises in creating the U.S. Constitution

Background

• Articles of Confederation
  • First U.S. Constitution
  • Weak federal government, strong state powers
  • Shay's Rebellion and other issues highlighted weaknesses
• Annapolis Convention
  • Meeting to discuss the Articles
  • Led to the decision to revise the Articles in Philadelphia, 1787

The Constitutional Convention

• Held in Philadelphia
• Aimed to draft a new Constitution
• Notable for setting the framework for modern U.S. governance

Major Compromises

1. The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

• Addressed the issue of Representation
• Federalism: Division of power between Federal government ("Daddy") and States ("Children")
• Virginia Plan (Large State Plan):
  • Representation based on population
  • Proposed bicameral Congress both based on population
• New Jersey Plan (Small State Plan):
  • Equal representation for all states, similar to Articles of Confederation
• Outcome:
  • Bicameral legislature:
    • House of Representatives: Based on population
    • Senate: Equal representation, 2 Senators per state

2. The 3/5th's Compromise

• Focused on slavery and representation
• North: Did not want slaves to count for representation
• South: Wanted slaves to count as population for representation but not for taxes
• Outcome:
  • Slaves counted as 3/5th of a person for both taxation and representation

3. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

• Federalists: Supported strong central government, pushed for ratification
• Federalist Papers: Written by Hamilton, Madison, Jay to support Constitution
• Anti-Federalists: Feared strong central government, wanted guarantees of personal rights
• Outcome:
  • Bill of Rights introduced to ensure protection of individual liberties

Ratification

• Constitution required ratification by 9 out of 13 states
• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists debate
• Bill of Rights and Federalist Papers pivotal in securing ratification
• Rhode Island was resistant but eventually complied

Conclusion

• 1787: Ratification of the Constitution
• 1789: George Washington elected as first President
• Established new federal structure and set governance framework

Key Vocabulary

• Bicameral Legislature: Two-house Congress (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Representation: Core issue leading to the Great Compromise
• Federalism: Division of power between federal and state governments