Difference between revisions of "Constitutional Convention"
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| − | + | The '''Constitutional Convention''' was held between May and September of 1787 in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]] to discuss problems with the [[Articles of Confederation]]. [[Benjamin Franklin]], [[James Madison]], [[John Jay]], [[Alexander Hamilton]], [[George Washington]], [[George Mason]], and a others, a total of fifty five elite statesmen, attended the conference. Absent were [[John Hancock]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[John Adams]], and [[Patrick Henry]]. | |
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| − | The '''Constitutional Convention''' was held | ||
Rather than revise the current Articles, Madison promptly declared that any confederacy was doomed to failure. Convincing the other delegates to start anew, under Madison's leadership they created the [[Constitution]]. | Rather than revise the current Articles, Madison promptly declared that any confederacy was doomed to failure. Convincing the other delegates to start anew, under Madison's leadership they created the [[Constitution]]. | ||
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===Representation=== | ===Representation=== | ||
====[[Virginia Plan]]==== | ====[[Virginia Plan]]==== | ||
| − | The Virginia Plan proposed representation | + | The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population, giving larger states more power than smaller states. It called for a bicameral legislature with a lower house elected from citizens of each state, and an upper house elected by members of the lower house.<ref>U.S Government and Politics, by Paul Soifer</ref> This legislature was able to veto laws passed by states. It was responsible to choose the national executive. The larger states supported this plan. |
====[[New Jersey Plan]]==== | ====[[New Jersey Plan]]==== | ||
The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with one vote per state, and a simple revision of the Articles. The smaller states supported this plan, as it gave them more power. | The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with one vote per state, and a simple revision of the Articles. The smaller states supported this plan, as it gave them more power. | ||
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===Other Compromises=== | ===Other Compromises=== | ||
Electoral College, Judicial Power | Electoral College, Judicial Power | ||
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| + | [[Category:United States Government]] | ||
| + | [[Category:United States History]] | ||
Revision as of 00:00, September 15, 2007
The Constitutional Convention was held between May and September of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to discuss problems with the Articles of Confederation. Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, George Mason, and a others, a total of fifty five elite statesmen, attended the conference. Absent were John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Patrick Henry.
Rather than revise the current Articles, Madison promptly declared that any confederacy was doomed to failure. Convincing the other delegates to start anew, under Madison's leadership they created the Constitution.
Conflicts
Representation
Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on population, giving larger states more power than smaller states. It called for a bicameral legislature with a lower house elected from citizens of each state, and an upper house elected by members of the lower house.[1] This legislature was able to veto laws passed by states. It was responsible to choose the national executive. The larger states supported this plan.
New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with one vote per state, and a simple revision of the Articles. The smaller states supported this plan, as it gave them more power.
Connecticut Compromise
Also known as the Great Compromise, this established a bicameral legislature (Congress). The upper house (Senate) was to contain two votes per state, with Senators chosen by state legislatures. The lower house (House of Representatives) was based on population, with representatives chosen by the people. The Great Compromise also called for the Articles to be completely replaced.
National vs State Government
Nationalists
These delegates, notably Hamilton, wished to see most power in a central government.
State's Rightists
The State's Rightists wished the power to be with the states. Mason was one of these.
Solution
Federalism was adopted, which provided a supreme national government that shares power with sovereign states.
Counting of Slaves for Representation and Taxation
Northern States
Wished to count slaves for taxation purposes, but not representation purposes.
Southern States
Wished to count slaves for representation purposes, but not taxation purposes.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Counted slaves as 3/5 of a person for both taxation and representation.
Other Compromises
Electoral College, Judicial Power
- ↑ U.S Government and Politics, by Paul Soifer