Making America FUNCTION: The Constitution, Since 1789
The Constitutional Convention
The primary reason it was held, was to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Founders wanted a written guideline for the country to follow.
The Constitution is the document created to define and organize the American government, through rule of law.
Provides an outline for the U.S. Government.
Establishes separation of powers.
Improved on the Articles of Confederation.
Did everyone agree with what was included? NO! In fact, Compromise saved the whole gathering from failing.
Why was that needed? Factionalism
Two groups called Federalist and Anti-Federalists emerged. Federalists believed very strongly in the need for a centralized government. Anti-Federalists believed in more decentralized, state-powered government. The two plans that emerged reflected that idea.
The Two Constitutional Compromises
The Great Compromise aka The Connecticut Compromise
The Great Compromise combined the Virginia Plan, which favored large states and the New Jersey Plan, which favored small states to make a two-house legislature.
It was called the Connecticut Compromise because it was created by Roger Sherman from Connecticut.
This plan set up a 2-house legislature (bicameral)
One house based on population – House of Representatives
Each States number of people in House of Representative based on population of the state (meant to represent the individual on a federal level)
One house based on equality -Senate Balanced the power of big and small states
Senate would be equal in that All states have two Senators from each state. (meant to represent the state government on a federal level).
The 3/5 Compromise
Focused on how to count slaves and decided slaves were counted as 3/5 of a person for both Representation in Congress & Direct taxes. This was used to balance the population gap between industrial and agrarian states.
New Jersey Plan
oFavored by small states
oOne house of Congress (unicameral)
oEach state would have EQUAL representation
oSimilar to the Articles of Confederation
Virginia Plan
Favored by large states
Two houses of Congress (bicameral)
Representation based on population
Created a stronger national government (this was stronger than the Articles of Confederation)