Constitutional Convention of 1787

Flashcards about the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

What event is now known as the Constitutional Convention?

The meeting in Philadelphia where delegates met to discuss how to change the Articles of Confederation.

Why did some delegates want to change the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation did not give Congress enough power.

What is a federal system of government?

A system in which the states and central government share power, but the central government has more power than the states.

Who came up with the Virginia Plan?

James Madison

What type of government did James Madison believe could keep people’s rights while still keeping order and peace?

A republic

Name the three branches of government under the Virginia Plan.

Congress (to make laws), a branch to carry out laws, and a branch to settle legal arguments.

What was the main point of contention regarding representation in Congress?

Smaller states feared larger states would have more power if representation was based on population.

What was the New Jersey Plan?

A plan where each state would get one vote in congress.

Who suggested dividing Congress into two houses as a solution to the representation debate?

Roger Sherman

What is the Great Compromise?

Congress would be divided into two houses: the Senate with equal representation for each state, and the House of Representatives with representation based on population.

What was the Three-Fifths Rule?

Every 5 slaves would be counted as 3 free people for the purpose of a state's population count.

When was the Constitution signed?

September 17, 1787

What does it mean to ratify something?

To accept it

Who were the Federalists?

Supporters of the Constitution

What were the Federalist Papers?

A series of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to explain the Constitution.

Who were the Antifederalists?

People who were against the Constitution

What was a key concern of the Antifederalists?

The Constitution had no Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?

Delaware

Which state was the ninth to ratify the constitution?

New Hampshire

What role did James Madison play?

Delegate from Virginia, proposed the Virginia Plan, and wrote essays called The Federalist.

What contribution did Benjamin Franklin have?

Helped delegates reach compromises at the Constitutional Convention on many topics.

What role did George Washington play?

President of the Constitutional Convention.

What was Roger Sherman's contribution?

Delegate from Connecticut who suggested the Great Compromise.