Difference between revisions of "Constitutional Convention"
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| − | + | The '''Constitutional Convention''' was held in the summer 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 other elite statesmen attended the conference. Absent were [[John Hancock]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[John Adams]], and [[Patrick Henry]]. | |
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| + | 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 by population, a bicameral legislature, and a new Constitution. 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 soverign 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 | ||
Revision as of 00:34, March 31, 2007
The Constitutional Convention was held in the summer 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 other 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 by population, a bicameral legislature, and a new Constitution. 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 soverign 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