Constitutional Convention & Key Compromises in U.S. History

Location & Date

Philadelphia, PA (Delegates began arriving mid-May 1787).

Attendance

Every state sent a representative except Rhode Island. There were 55 delegates in total (a "hodgepodge of intellectuals").

Original Goal

To propose edits to the failing Articles of Confederation.

Final Decision

The delegates quickly voted to scrap the Articles entirely and draft a new governing document (the U.S. Constitution) in secret.

Head of Convention

George Washington was unanimously selected.

Significance of Washington

His universally respected reputation ensured public trust and legitimacy for the controversial new Constitution.

The Virginia Plan

Called for a legislature where representation was based on a state's population, which naturally favored the larger states.

Author of The Virginia Plan

James Madison (known as the Father of the Constitution).

The New Jersey Plan

Called for equal representation for all states, regardless of population, which was supported by the smaller states.

Author of The New Jersey Plan

William Paterson.

The Connecticut Compromise

Established a Bicameral Legislature (two-house Congress).

House of Representatives

Would have representation based on a state's population.

Senate

Would grant each state two Senators, ensuring equal power for all states.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

Three-fifths (3/5) of all "other persons" (the enslaved population) would be counted for both determining a state's representation in the House and for purposes of federal taxation.

Historical Summary

The Constitution is often referred to as "A bundle of compromises."

Quote on Completion

"A republic, if you can keep it." -Ben Franklin (September 17, 1787).

Ratification Requirement

Under Article VII, nine states were needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect.

The Federalist Position

Argued for a strong central government capable of mediating disputes between states and ensuring national stability and economic consistency.

The Anti-Federalist Position

Feared the new government was given too much centralized power and strongly objected that the document did not include a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written to explain the Constitution's structure and principles to the people of New York to persuade them to ratify it.

Authors of The Federalist Papers

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Bill of Rights

A set of amendments drafted to ensure the protection of fundamental liberties after the ratification of the Constitution.

June 21, 1788

The date New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratify the Constitution, making it official.

April 30, 1789

The date George Washington was sworn in as the first President of the United States.

Preamble

The introductory statement of the Constitution that outlines the purposes of the government.

Article I

Establishes Congress, the legislative branch responsible for making federal laws.

No Bills of Attainder

Prohibits Congress from declaring a person guilty of a crime without a proper trial.

No Ex Post Facto Law

Prohibits Congress from making an act illegal after it was committed.

Habeas Corpus Protection

Protects the right to a court order demanding that an individual be brought into court and informed of the cause for their detention.

Article II

Establishes the office of the President to execute and enforce the laws of the land.

Requirements to be President

Must be at least 35 years old, a natural born US Citizen, and a resident of the U.S. for 14 consecutive years.

Article III

Establishes the federal courts, primarily to mediate disputes between states and interpret the Constitution.

Right to a jury trial

A key protection included in Article III for criminal cases.

Justice

To treat others as you would like to be treated, having zero bias or greed, and embodying love.

Little Rock Central High School Crisis

A historical event that occurred in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.

Failure of the Articles of Confederation

Led to the realization that order is necessary for liberty to survive.

Shays' Rebellion

An event that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, causing economic chaos and rebellion.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An imperfect compromise necessary to achieve national unity in the new government structure.

Bill of Rights' promise

Explicitly protects individual liberty from the government created by the Constitution.

Life & Pursuit of Happiness

The ideals that were threatened by the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation but were secured by the new government structure.

Constitutional Convention

Location/Date: Philadelphia, PA (Delegates started arriving mid-May). Attendance: Every state sent a representative except Rhode Island. There were 55 intellectuals in total.

Decision

The delegates quickly decided to scrap the entire Articles and write a new document (in secret): the United States Constitution.

Virginia Plan

Author: James Madison (The Father of the Constitution). Proposal: Called for representation in the legislature to be based on a state's population, which was favored by larger states.

New Jersey Plan

Author: William Paterson. Proposal: Called for equal representation for all states, regardless of population, which was favored by smaller states.

Connecticut Compromise (The Great Compromise)

1. Established a Bicameral legislature (two-house system). 2. Representation in the House of Representatives would be based on a state's population. 3. Each state would receive two Senators in the Senate, regardless of population. Senators were to be chosen by that state's legislature.

Ratification Debate

Process: Under Article VII of the Constitution, nine states were needed for ratification. The Constitution was sent to the states, and each state set up a ratifying convention to approve it.

Why a Convention?

This ensured the Constitution was legal by gaining the People's consent.

Random Fact

Todd Young (Indiana Senator), and Jim Banks (Indiana Senator) are the Senators of Indiana, Mike Braun is the governor.

Fact

'A bundle of compromises' is a phrase used to describe the U.S. Constitution.

Quote

(September 17, 1787): 'A republic, if you can keep it!' — Ben Franklin.

Federalists

In favor of the Constitution, wanted a strong central government that was capable of mediating arguments between the states.

Anti-Federalists

Against the Constitution, believed it gave too much power to a central government and did not contain a Bill of Rights.

March 4, 1789

The First Congress meets in New York City.

Historical Event

1957 / Little Rock Central High School / Little Rock, Arkansas.