Drafting the Constitution Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why did the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise involve so much debate and discussion?

Each state was looking out for its personal interests and needs

Which statement about the Virginia Plan is accurate?

It inspired the creation of the New Jersey Plan (correct)

It suggested equal representation

It proposed a bicameral legislature

It favored smaller states

What was the main issue of the Constitutional Convention?

Representation

Why were delegates working to replace the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles created a central government that was too weak Signup and view all the answers

According to the 1790 census, where did enslaved people live within the United States?

In every state Signup and view all the answers

The New Jersey Plan supported the idea of?

Equal representation Signup and view all the answers

Why was the issue of slavery so important to the delegates of the Constitutional Convention?

Both regions recognized that how enslaved people were counted would significantly affect representation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Great Compromise is accurate?

It merged the ideas of multiple delegates' plans Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the northern states in the 1780s is accurate?

They generally had less enslaved labor than the southern states Signup and view all the answers

The act of formally approving something is known as?

Ratification Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Constitutional Compromises

The Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise ignited extensive debate as states prioritized their own needs and interests.
The Great Compromise combined aspects of various proposals to balance representation in Congress.

Virginia and New Jersey Plans

The Virginia Plan paved the way for the New Jersey Plan, influencing debates about state representation and governance structures.
The New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation among states, contrasting the population-based approach of the Virginia Plan.

Core Issues of the Constitutional Convention

The main focus of the Constitutional Convention was the issue of representation, determining how states would be represented in Congress.
Delegates aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation, citing the weakness of the existing central government as a significant concern.

Slavery and Representation

According to the 1790 census, enslaved individuals resided in every state, impacting representation debates.
Delegates recognized that counting enslaved people would greatly influence political power dynamics, complicating discussions around representation.

Ratification Process

The formal approval process for the Constitution is referred to as ratification, marking a crucial step in establishing the new government structure.

Regional Differences

In the 1780s, northern states had fewer enslaved individuals compared to their southern counterparts, influencing regional attitudes towards slavery and representation.

Description

Explore the key concepts related to the drafting of the Constitution through these flashcards. From the Great Compromise to the issues faced at the Constitutional Convention, this quiz helps you understand the foundational debates of U.S. governance.