Constitutional Convention

Definition

The Constitutional Convention was a gathering held in 1787 in Philadelphia where delegates convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and ultimately drafted the United States Constitution. This convention marked a pivotal moment in American history as it established a framework for a stronger national government while balancing the powers among the states and the federal system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Constitutional Convention took place from May to September 1787, with 55 delegates from 12 of the 13 states attending.
2. The convention was initially called to revise the Articles of Confederation but quickly evolved into a complete overhaul of the American government structure.
3. James Madison, known as the 'Father of the Constitution,' played a crucial role in shaping the document and promoting its ratification.
4. The outcome of the convention resulted in the establishment of three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—ensuring a separation of powers.
5. Debates at the convention included contentious issues such as representation, slavery, and state vs. federal powers, which were addressed through compromises.

Review Questions

• How did the Constitutional Convention address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The Constitutional Convention directly tackled the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger national government capable of regulating commerce, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws. Delegates recognized that the Articles led to economic instability and lacked a cohesive national defense. Through discussions and compromises, they established a framework that balanced power among different branches of government while still respecting states' rights.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Compromise in shaping the legislative structure established by the Constitution.
  • The Great Compromise was crucial as it balanced the interests of both large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature. The House of Representatives would be based on population, benefiting larger states, while each state would have equal representation in the Senate. This compromise ensured that all states had a voice in Congress, fostering cooperation and preventing dominance by any single state or group, which was essential for ratification.
• Assess how the debates at the Constitutional Convention regarding representation and slavery influenced future political dynamics in America.
  • The debates surrounding representation and slavery had lasting effects on American politics. The decision to count slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes highlighted deep divisions over slavery that would continue to impact politics leading up to the Civil War. Additionally, these debates shaped future discussions on civil rights and federal versus state powers. The compromises made at the convention were temporary solutions that postponed addressing these contentious issues, leading to ongoing conflicts in American history.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the United States, which created a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government, ultimately leading to its replacement by the Constitution.

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for a balance of power between national and state governments.

Great Compromise:

An agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining both proportional representation and equal representation for states.