CT

Heimler's AP Gov 1.5

AP Gov – Ratification of the Constitution

Constitutional Convention (1787)

  • Called to fix weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

  • Quickly shifted to drafting a new Constitution → stronger federal gov’t.

  • Debates were intense, requiring major compromises.

Key Compromises

1. Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

  • Debate: Representation in Congress.

    • Virginia Plan: Based on population (favored large states).

    • New Jersey Plan: Equal representation (favored small states).

  • Compromise: Bicameral legislature.

    • House of Representatives = by population.

    • Senate = equal, 2 per state.

2. Electoral College

  • Debate: How to elect the president.

    • Options: by people, state legislatures, or Congress.

  • Compromise: Electoral College → states appoint electors = # of reps + senators. Electors choose president.

3. Three-Fifths Compromise

  • Debate: Should enslaved people count toward representation?

    • North: Count free population only.

    • South: Count enslaved population fully.

  • Compromise: 3/5 of enslaved persons counted for representation and taxation.

4. Importation of Enslaved People

  • Debate: Ban the slave trade?

  • Compromise: Slave trade allowed until 1808, then Congress could abolish it (which it did).

5. Amendment Process

  • Articles required unanimity → impossible to amend.

  • New system (Art. V):

    • Proposal: 2/3 Congress OR state conventions.

    • Ratification: 3/4 state legislatures OR conventions.

  • More flexible, but still difficult.

Ratification Process

  • Constitution sent to states for approval.

  • Federalists (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) supported ratification.

  • Anti-Federalists (Patrick Henry, George Mason) opposed → feared loss of state power, lack of rights protections.

  • Compromise: Bill of Rights promised and added (first 10 amendments).

  • Final ratification: 1790, last state = Rhode Island.

Lasting Impact of Compromise

  • Ongoing tension: federal power vs. state power, liberty vs. order.

  • Examples today:

    • Government Surveillance (Post-9/11 Patriot Act) → debate over federal power vs. 4th Amendment rights.

    • Education (No Child Left Behind, 2001) → federal mandates vs. state control over education.

Key Takeaways

  • The Constitution = product of negotiation and compromise.

  • Debates at the founding (representation, slavery, state vs. federal power) still echo today.

  • Ratification hinged on balancing central authority with protection of individual rights.