Constitutional Convention Compromises

Flashcards covering key compromises during the Constitutional Convention, including the Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise, Commerce Compromise, and Presidency Compromise.

What was the Virginia Plan, proposed by Edmund Randolph?

A form of government where state representation would be based on population.

What was the New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Patterson?

A plan suggesting that each state would have equal representation, addressing concerns of smaller states.

What was the Great Compromise (also known as the Connecticut Compromise), suggested by Roger Sherman?

It created a bicameral legislature (Congress) with an Upper House (Senate) having equal representation for each state, and a Lower House (House of Representatives) with representation based on state population.

What was the main debate regarding enslaved people during the constitutional convention?

Southerners wanted enslaved people counted for representation but not for taxes, while Northerners had opposing views.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise, proposed by James Madison?

It stated that 3/5ths of enslaved Americans in a state would be counted for both congressional representation and taxation.

What was the impact of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It gave additional voting power to slave-holding states.

What was the Commerce Compromise?

It resulted in Congress not being able to tax a state's exports, on the condition that the slave trade would be prohibited in 20 years (ending in 1808) but not slavery itself.

What was the Fugitive Clause?

It required all states to aid in the return of an enslaved person.

What was the disagreement regarding the President's election and term length?

Delegates favoring a strong national government wanted a President elected directly by the people with a long term, while those favoring states' rights wanted a short term with state legislatures selecting the President.

What was the Presidency Compromise?

It established a 4-year term for the President and an indirect election through the Electoral College System.