The Birth Of The Constitution Compromise Worksheet Answers

The Birth of the Constitution Compromise Worksheet Answers delves into the intricate negotiations and compromises that shaped the foundation of the United States government, providing an in-depth exploration of this pivotal moment in American history.

The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, brought together delegates from across the newly independent states to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and forge a more perfect union. Amidst debates and disagreements, delegates grappled with fundamental questions of representation, power distribution, and the protection of individual rights.

The Constitutional Convention

The birth of the constitution compromise worksheet answers

The Constitutional Convention was a meeting of delegates from 12 states that was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from May 25 to September 17, 1787. The purpose of the convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had been the governing document of the United States since 1781.

The convention was attended by some of the most important figures in American history, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. These men worked together to create a new constitution that would establish a stronger central government and protect the rights of individual citizens.

The Virginia Plan

The Virginia Plan was a proposal for a new constitution that was presented to the Constitutional Convention by James Madison. The plan called for a bicameral legislature, with the upper house elected by the state legislatures and the lower house elected by the people.

The plan also called for a strong executive branch, headed by a president who would be elected by the legislature.

The Virginia Plan was opposed by some delegates, who argued that it would give too much power to the central government. These delegates proposed the New Jersey Plan, which called for a unicameral legislature with each state having one vote.

The two plans were eventually compromised, and the final version of the Constitution included elements of both plans.

The Great Compromise

The Great Compromise was a compromise that was reached between the delegates who supported the Virginia Plan and those who supported the New Jersey Plan. The compromise called for a bicameral legislature, with the upper house (the Senate) being elected by the state legislatures and the lower house (the House of Representatives) being elected by the people.

The Great Compromise was a significant moment in the development of the Constitution, as it helped to resolve one of the most contentious issues that had been debated by the delegates.

Other Compromises

In addition to the Great Compromise, a number of other compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention. These compromises included:

  • The Three-Fifths Compromise, which counted each slave as three-fifths of a person for the purposes of representation and taxation.
  • The Electoral College, which was created to elect the president and vice president.
  • The Bill of Rights, which was added to the Constitution in 1791 and guarantees certain individual rights and freedoms.

These compromises were essential to the success of the Constitutional Convention, as they helped to ensure that the Constitution would be ratified by all of the states.

Ratification of the Constitution, The birth of the constitution compromise worksheet answers

The Constitution was ratified by the required nine states in 1788, and it went into effect on March 4, 1789. The ratification of the Constitution was a major turning point in American history, as it marked the beginning of a new era of constitutional government.

The ratification of the Constitution was not without its opponents. Some people argued that the Constitution gave too much power to the central government, while others argued that it did not protect individual rights and freedoms.

Despite these objections, the Constitution was eventually ratified, and it has remained the supreme law of the land for over 200 years.

Common Queries: The Birth Of The Constitution Compromise Worksheet Answers

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

The Constitutional Convention was convened to revise the Articles of Confederation, which had proven inadequate in addressing the challenges facing the newly independent United States.

What were the key differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan favored a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

What was the significance of the Great Compromise?

The Great Compromise resolved the impasse between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature with the Senate based on equal representation and the House of Representatives based on population.