Constitutional Convention and Compromise

Constitutional Convention
Congress

adopted a resolution to REVISE the Articles of Confederation Begins on May 25, 1787 Very hot! Windows closed to keep meetings secret 55 delegates arrive from 12 states (RI does not attend)

Absent [Dont Copy!]

John

Adams (In England) Thomas Jefferson (In France) Thomas Paine Samuel Adams Patrick Henry

Delegates
Wealthy,

well-educated, white men Planters, farmers, lawyers 1/3 owned slaves Many led their colony to independence Washington selected to Chair the Convention

Primary Author
James

Madison Recorded every debate by hand Father of the Constitution

New

Constitution adopted on September 17, 1787

What is a compromise?
An

agreement between two or more sides in which each side gives up some of what it wants.

Issue #1: How should states be represented in Congress?

VIRGINIA PLAN National govt with 3 branches (legislative, executive & judicial) Bicameral (2 house) legislature Both houses determined by population (proportional) NEW JERSEY PLAN Unicameral Congress Each state had one vote regardless of population

 Read

the Background Information for Critical Thinking Question A and complete Critical Thinking Question A with your group.

Discuss

Issue #1 Resolution?
The Great Compromise! Written by Roger Sherman of Conn. Proposed that representation in the House of Representatives be based on population & the Senate have equal representation

Issue #2: Should slaves be counted as part of a states population?

NORTH Claimed that slaves were property and could not be counted in population But should be counted for taxation SOUTH Said slaves should be counted for representation (even though they could not vote)

 Read

the Background Information for Critical Thinking Question B and complete Critical Thinking Question B with your group

Discuss

Issue #2 Resolution?
Three-Fifths

Compromise! Slaves would count as 3/5 of a free person for both representation and taxation

Issue #3: Slave trading? Runaway slaves?

NORTH Had banned slavery within their borders-wanted national ban Wanted Congress to regulate trade Thought runaways slaves should gain freedom if live in N. state SOUTH Said slaves were central to their economy Feared Congress would tax exports and stop slave trade if they regulated trade Slaves=property, therefore runaways should be returned, property rights

 Read

the Background Information for Critical Thinking Question C and complete Critical Thinking Question C with your group

Discuss

Issue #3 Resolution?

The Commerce Compromise! Granted Congress power to:

regulate interstate and foreign commerce levy tariffs on imports but not tax exports

Forbid Congress from restricting the importation of slaves for 20 years Congress could issue a tax as high as $10 on each slave brought into the country