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A MORE PERFECT UNION 1

Michael Wing・54 minutes read

The text discusses the crisis in America, the proposal to revise the Articles of Confederation, and the debates at the convention regarding trade regulation and proportional representation in Congress. Efforts are made to find compromises and establish a new constitution for a strong national government, ultimately leading to the acceptance of the constitution and the birth of a new nation.

Insights

  • General Washington's decision to attend the convention despite initial reluctance due to private life underscores the importance of his leadership and commitment to national unity.
  • The compromise reached on representation in Congress, with a bicameral system proposed by Mr. Sherman and ultimately accepted after close votes, highlights the delicate balance needed to ensure fair representation for both large and small states, crucial for the success of the new government and the unity of America.

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Recent questions

  • What was the purpose of the convention?

    To revise the Articles of Confederation and establish a new government.

  • Why was General Washington initially reluctant to attend?

    Due to his private life commitments.

  • What was the main focus of the Virginia Plan?

    To establish a new national government with three branches.

  • What was the compromise proposed regarding the slave trade?

    To cease importing slaves after 1808.

  • How was representation in Congress debated?

    Through proposals for proportional representation and compromise.

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Summary

00:00

"Washington leads convention to strengthen America"

  • America is in crisis, states are divided over policy and commerce, weakening trade and causing anarchy.
  • Proposal to grant Congress power to regulate trade to counter British control.
  • Concerns over corruption in state governments and the need for a stronger national government.
  • Efforts to unite states for discussions on trade, laws, and a more effective union.
  • Efforts to persuade General Washington to attend a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation.
  • General Washington's reluctance to attend the convention due to private life.
  • General Washington's eventual decision to attend the convention.
  • Preparation for the convention with a plan to abolish the Articles of Confederation and establish a new government with three branches.
  • Proposal for a new Congress with two houses to better represent the people.
  • Emphasis on the importance of the convention's success for the welfare of the country and the reputation of the individuals involved.

29:58

"Virginia Plan: Proportional Representation in Congress"

  • Virginia has around 800,000 people and has many votes in Congress under the Articles.
  • Delaware has a population of under 100,000 and only one vote in Congress.
  • The new Congress will create nationally binding laws, requiring fair representation based on population.
  • The plan involves an executive branch to enforce laws, governed by Congress, and a judiciary branch represented by a mug.
  • Delegates are urged to abandon the Articles of Confederation for the new government, facing challenges due to specific instructions.
  • The battle for proportionate representation in Congress is crucial for the unity of America.
  • Governor Randolph proposes correcting and enlarging the Articles of Confederation to address the nation's crisis.
  • The Virginia Plan aims to establish a new national government with legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
  • The debate includes discussions on proportional representation in the national legislature, causing division among states.
  • The issue of the slave trade is raised, with the Southern states insisting on retaining it for economic reasons, despite moral objections.

53:52

Debate on Slavery and Representation in Congress

  • Slavery is a contentious issue, with various delegates expressing differing views on its abolition and the importation of slaves.
  • Dr. Williamson proposes a compromise to cease importing slaves after 1808, with Mr. Rutledge seconding the motion.
  • The debate shifts to representation in Congress, with small states like Delaware expressing concerns about being overshadowed by larger states like Pennsylvania and Virginia.
  • Mr. Sherman suggests a compromise where the lower house is represented by population and the upper house, the Senate, has each state with one vote.
  • A vote is taken on Mr. Sherman's compromise, with larger states like Virginia and Pennsylvania supporting it, while smaller states like Delaware and New Jersey oppose it.
  • Mr. Hamilton proposes that representation in the upper house mirrors that of the lower house, based on population, leading to a close vote in favor of his motion.
  • The session adjourns, with small states requesting a day's postponement to deliberate on the issue further.
  • Mr. Dickinson and others plan to present an alternative plan to the Virginia Plan, aiming for fair representation for small states in Congress.
  • Mr. Patterson's plan, maintaining the status quo, is rejected in favor of sending the Virginia Plan back to the general assembly for further debate and binding votes.
  • The convention adjourns until July 2nd, with the final votes on representation in the Senate looming, potentially leading to a fracture in the convention.

01:19:14

"Compromise leads to new constitution approval"

  • The voting process on Mr. Ellsworth's motion is conducted in the usual manner, with various states voting differently.
  • Maryland's delegation is incomplete, but Mr. Jennifer's absence does not hinder the voting process.
  • A second vote on Mr. Ellsworth's motion is proposed, leading to a debate on the rules of voting in the General Assembly.
  • A suggestion is made to form a committee to find a compromise, which is met with mixed reactions from the delegates.
  • Dr. Franklin advocates for compromise, highlighting the need for a fair government that benefits everyone.
  • The compromise report of the Grand Committee is debated and approved, leading to the creation of a new constitution.
  • The final draft of the constitution is read, emphasizing the establishment of a strong national government with separate but united states.
  • Dr. Franklin expresses his approval of the constitution despite some reservations, urging others to do the same.
  • The constitution is accepted by the convention after a roll call vote, with New York represented by Miss Hamilton's signature.
  • The signing of the constitution marks a significant moment, symbolizing the rise of a new nation and the end of England's dominance.
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