US History - Constitutional Convention

Why was the Constitutional Convention considered illegal by some delegates?

Some delegates felt it was illegal because they were sent to revise the Articles of Confederation, not create a new document.

What was the compromise regarding the slave trade between northern and southern states?

The north would not interfere with the slave trade for 20 years, but a tax of $10 would be charged on each imported slave.

What were the main differences between the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan?

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature based on population, while the New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature based on equal representation.

What was the compromise regarding how to count slaves for representation and taxation?

Slaves would be counted as ⅗ of a person for both representation and taxation.

What role did The Federalist Papers play in the ratification of the Constitution?

They were essays written to convince voters to ratify the Constitution, considered the best commentary on it.

Who were two leading anti-Federalists and why did they oppose the new Constitution?

Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams opposed it because they believed it took too much power from the states and lacked a Bill of Rights.

What were five ways the new Constitution differed from the Articles of Confederation?

1. Stronger federal government, 2. Ability to levy taxes, 3. Executive branch to enforce laws, 4. Judicial branch to interpret laws, 5. Bicameral legislature.