The CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION and Debates Over RATIFICATION [APUSH Review Unit 3 Topic 8] Period 3

Recent questions

• What is a constitutional convention?

  A constitutional convention is a gathering of delegates convened to discuss and draft a new constitution or amend an existing one. This process typically arises in response to perceived weaknesses or failures in the current governing framework, as was the case in 1787 when fifty-five delegates met in Philadelphia. The primary aim of such conventions is to address critical issues affecting governance, such as representation, federal power, and civil rights. The outcomes of these conventions can significantly shape the political landscape of a nation, as they often lead to the establishment of foundational legal documents that guide the governance and rights of citizens.

• How does representation work in government?

  Representation in government refers to the way in which citizens' interests and voices are reflected in the legislative process. It can take various forms, such as proportional representation based on population or equal representation regardless of size. The debate over representation was a central issue during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, leading to the development of two main proposals: the Virginia Plan, which favored larger states by suggesting representation based on population, and the New Jersey Plan, which advocated for equal representation for all states. This contentious issue was ultimately resolved through the Great Compromise, establishing a bicameral legislature that balanced both population-based and equal representation, ensuring that diverse interests were considered in the legislative process.

• What is the Great Compromise?

  The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a pivotal agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that resolved the contentious debate over legislative representation. It established a bicameral legislature, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives, where representation would be based on state population, favoring larger states, and the Senate, where each state would have equal representation with two senators, favoring smaller states. This compromise was crucial in ensuring that both large and small states had a fair voice in the new government, ultimately facilitating the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It laid the groundwork for a balanced legislative system that continues to function today.

• What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

  The Three-Fifths Compromise was an agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 regarding how enslaved individuals would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation. It stipulated that three-fifths of the enslaved population would be included in the population count used to determine a state's representation in the House of Representatives. This compromise was significant as it addressed the contentious issue of slavery and representation, allowing Southern states to gain more political power while postponing the debate on slavery itself until 1808. The Three-Fifths Compromise highlighted the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by the framers of the Constitution as they sought to create a unified nation while grappling with the institution of slavery.

• What are the Federalist Papers?

  The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in the late 1780s to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. These writings were aimed at addressing the concerns of Anti-Federalists, who opposed the Constitution due to fears of a strong central government and the lack of a Bill of Rights. The Federalist Papers provided a detailed explanation of the proposed government structure, the necessity of a strong federal system, and the safeguards against tyranny. They played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and ultimately contributed to the ratification of the Constitution by nine states by mid-1788, establishing the framework for the United States' government.