Overview
This lecture explains how political negotiation and compromise at the Constitutional Convention shaped the U.S. Constitution and how those issues impact government debates today.
The Constitutional Convention
- The Constitutional Convention, or Philadelphia Convention, was held in 1787 to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
- Delegates quickly shifted focus from revising the Articles to creating a new Constitution with a stronger federal government.
- Significant debate and compromise were necessary among the states to draft and finalize the Constitution.
Key Compromises of the Constitution
- The Great Compromise created a bicameral (two-house) Congress: the House of Representatives (apportioned by population) and the Senate (equal representation).
- The Electoral College compromise determined that presidents would be elected by electors, with each state getting electors equal to its total Congressional representation.
- The Three-Fifths Compromise counted three-fifths of enslaved people for both representation and taxation.
- Slave Trade Compromise allowed the importation of slaves to continue for 20 years after ratification, ending in 1808.
Amending the Constitution
- Article V outlines amendment procedures: proposals require two-thirds approval in Congress or state conventions.
- Ratification of amendments requires approval by three-quarters of state legislatures or conventions.
- The Constitution has 27 amendments, with the first ten known as the Bill of Rights.
Ongoing Debates Stemming from Compromise
- Tensions between central government power, state power, and individual rights continue in modern debates.
- The Patriot Act (post-9/11) raised concerns over federal power vs. Fourth Amendment rights.
- No Child Left Behind Act (2001) highlighted federal vs. state control in education through federally mandated benchmarks and resulting sanctions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Articles of Confederation — America’s first constitution, known for its weak central government.
- Bicameral Legislature — A two-house lawmaking body (House and Senate).
- Electoral College — Body of electors who officially elect the President.
- Three-Fifths Compromise — Agreement to count 60% of enslaved people for representation and taxation.
- Ratification — Official approval by the states of the Constitution or amendments.
- Amendment — A formal change or addition to the Constitution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the required U.S. Constitution document for class.
- Study the key constitutional compromises and their impacts for AP Government assessments.