Crafting a New Nation: The Constitutional Convention of 1787
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What was the initial, stated purpose of the Philadelphia Convention in \(1787\)?
The initial purpose was to revise the Articles of Confederation. However, influential delegates like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton quickly pushed to abandon the Articles and create an entirely new framework of government.
Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution' and why?
James Madison. He came to the convention with a plan for a new government (the Virginia Plan), took detailed notes of the proceedings, and was a central figure in the debates and compromises.
What did the Virginia Plan, proposed by Edmund Randolph and James Madison, advocate for?
It proposed a strong central government with a bicameral legislature where representation in both houses would be based on population. This heavily favored the large states.
How did the New Jersey Plan counter the Virginia Plan?
Proposed by William Paterson, it called for a unicameral legislature where each state had equal representation, similar to the Articles of Confederation. This was favored by the small states who feared being dominated by larger ones.
What was the 'Great Compromise' (or Connecticut Compromise)?
Proposed by Roger Sherman, it resolved the dispute over representation. It created a bicameral (two-house) Congress with a Senate (equal representation, \(2\) per state) and a House of Representatives (representation based on population).
Explain the Three-Fifths Compromise.
An agreement between northern and southern states that three-fifths (\(3/5\)) of the enslaved population would be counted for determining both direct taxation and a state's representation in the House of Representatives.
What was the Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise?
A compromise that allowed Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce but prohibited it from taxing exports. It also forbade Congress from banning the international slave trade for \(20\) years (until \(1808\)).
What is the principle of 'federalism' as established in the Constitution?
The division of power between the national (federal) government and the state governments. Certain powers are delegated to the federal government, some are reserved for the states, and some are shared.
How does the Constitution establish a system of 'checks and balances'?
Each of the three branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) is given powers to limit or 'check' the powers of the other two branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too dominant. For example, the President can veto laws passed by Congress.
How is the President of the United States elected, according to the Constitution?
Through the Electoral College. Instead of a direct popular vote, citizens vote for electors who are pledged to a particular candidate. The number of electors for each state is based on its total number of representatives and senators in Congress.
What powers are granted to the Executive Branch under Article II of the Constitution?
The President serves as commander-in-chief of the military, has the power to grant pardons, make treaties (with Senate approval), appoint federal officers and judges, and ensure that the laws of the land are 'faithfully executed'.
What powers are granted to the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution?
Congress has the power to levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, coin money, declare war, and raise and support armies. It also has the 'Necessary and Proper Clause' (or Elastic Clause) to make laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.
What power is granted to the Judicial Branch under Article III of the Constitution?
Article III establishes the Supreme Court and grants it jurisdiction over all cases arising under the Constitution and federal law. The power of 'judicial review' (the ability to declare laws unconstitutional) was later established in Marbury v. Madison.
