The Constitutional Convention and Bill of Rights

Constitutional Convention

Meeting in 1787 with delegates from 12 states to draft the U.S. Constitution.

Virginia Plan

Proposed 3-branch government with checks and balances, influenced by James Madison.

Bicameral legislature

Legislature with two houses based on state population, addressing concerns of small states.

Unicameral legislature

Legislature where each state has one vote, ensuring equal representation.

Great Compromise

Agreement on a bicameral legislature with proportional and equal representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counting 3/5 of slaves for population and electoral purposes.

Benjamin Franklin

Delegate who believed the Constitution was close to perfection.

Constitutional Ratification

Process of approving the Constitution by the states.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution and a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution, concerned about state sovereignty.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual rights.