People and important events in the constitution + constitutional convention.

The Great Compromise

Established our bicameral legislature with a lower house that is apportioned by population and an upper house that was equal and picked by state assemblies.

The Commerce Compromise

Made it so the federal government would be allowed to collect import tariffs, but not export tariffs.

The Electoral College Compromise

To elect a president a certain number of votes is given each state (number of senators + representatives). These votes were tied to “electors” who would vote based on the way a state's popular vote turned out.

The Three-fifths Compromise

Made it so slaves would count as ⅗ of a person to assign representatives to a state.

The Slave Trade Compromise

Made it so the federal government wasn’t allowed to do anything to slavery for 20 years. A fugitive slave law was also agreed upon to make the south agree to the compromise.

What had to be added before some states would agree to (ratify) the Constitution?

A Bill of Rights

why northern states didn't push harder to end or limit slavery at the Constitutional Convention?

They were afraid southern states would leave the convention and they would not get a stronger central (federal) government.

Who was the president of the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington

Who is called the “Father of the Constitution” because he came up with the Virginia Plan?

James Madison

what three groups were NOT represented at the Constitutional Convention? 

Women, African Americans, and Native Americans.

Roger Sherman

Leader of the Great Compromise he proposed the resolution that established the legislature as it currently is

George Washington

He was president of the Convention and helped keep the debate civilized and focused

George Mason

He owned many slaves, but was disappointed that the Constitution didn't end the Atlantic Slave Trade. He also helped get a Bill of Rights added.

James Wilson

Favored a direct election of the president by the people and the power of the president to veto laws (stop them)

James Madison

The "Father of the Constitution," he helped create the Virginia Plan, write the Bill of Rights, and convince states to ratify (accept) the new Contitution

William Patterson

Helped champion the cause of small population states. He wanted all representation to be equal among the states. This eventually helped lead to the Great Compromise.

What are the three parts the constitution can be separated in to?

The three parts of the Constitution are the Preamble, the Articles, and the Amendments.