Constitutional Convention: Key Compromises

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

  • Conflict: Virginia Plan (representation based on population) vs. New Jersey Plan (equal representation for states).
  • Resolution: Creation of a bicameral Congress.
    • Upper House (Senate): Each state has equal representation.
    • Lower House (House of Representatives): Representation based on state population.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

  • Conflict: Southern states wanted enslaved people counted for representation but not taxation; Northern states disagreed.
  • Resolution: 3/53/5 of enslaved Americans in a state would be counted for both congressional representation and direct taxation.

The Commerce Compromise

  • Conflict: Northerners wanted federal power to regulate trade; Southerners feared export taxes and prohibition of the slave trade.
  • Resolution:
    • Congress could not tax a state's exports.
    • The slave trade would be allowed for 20 more years, ending in 1808.
    • Fugitive Clause: Required all states to aid in the return of enslaved persons.

The Presidency Compromise

  • Conflict: Advocates for a strong national government desired a directly elected president with a long term; states' rights proponents favored state legislature selection and a short term.
  • Resolution:
    • A 4-year term for the President.
    • Indirect election of the President through the Electoral College system.