Constitutional Compromises

Main Idea Key Questions The delegates at the Constitutional Convention tried to write a document that would address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and make compromises between large and small states and between the North and South. Key Questions What different points of view emerged at the Constitutional Convention? What compromises did the delegates make at the Constitutional Convention?

Representation in the new government: -The big states wanted their size to help them have more power in the government, while the smaller states wanted the power to be equally shared.

THE VA PLAN Drafted by James Madision Proposed a new form of national government with 3 branches Proposed a Bicameral legislature- with representation for both based on the state’s population Gave more power to larger states Small states objected; came up with new plan. THE VA PLAN Who do you think supports this plan?

NEW JERSEY PLAN Proposed a single-chamber (Unicameral legislature) Each state, regardless of size, would have an equal number of representatives, and would have one vote. Favored by small states

There were major disagreements about the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan. The Connecticut delegates came up with a compromise. The Great Compromise (or Connecticut Compromise) Bicameral legislature In the lower house, the number of representatives for each state is determined by population. In the upper house, each state has an equal number of representatives. GREAT COMPROMISE

3/5ths Comp Compromises on slavery Southern states wanted to count all slaves for representation purposes but none for taxation. Northern states objected Said 3/5ths of the population of slaves would be counted for purposes like appointing members to the House of Representatives 3/5ths Comp

Avoided too-powerful central government by establishing three equal branches Legislative, Executive, Judicial Each Branch can check the other two to make sure that one branch didn’t become too powerful Legislative- Congress Executive- President Judicial-Supreme Court 3 Branches

Bill of Rights Some leaders were worried that the constitution gave the government too much power and they wanted to make sure that the people’s rights were protected A compromise was made that the Constitution would be ratified, but immediately after ratification 10 amendments had to be added- The Bill of Rights James Madison used the VA Declaration of Right sand the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom to help draft the Bill of Rights