Drafting the Constitution Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which statement about the Great Compromise is accurate?

It only favored one state.

It was proposed by a single delegate.

It was rejected by the delegates.

It merged the ideas of multiple delegates' plans. (correct)

What was the outcome of the Constitution?

multiple compromises

Why did the state delegates meet in 1787?

to discuss a better system of government

How did the Great Compromise resolve the dispute about representation?

It created balance by blending the Virginia and New Jersey plans Signup and view all the answers

What idea did the New Jersey Plan support?

equal representation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the Virginia Plan is accurate?

It inspired the creation of the New Jersey Plan. Signup and view all the 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 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

Once the delegates determined the Three-Fifths Compromise, what issue did they tackle next?

the presidential process Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Great Compromise

Merged ideas from various delegate plans, creating a compromise in the Constitutional Convention.
Resolved disputes about representation by blending Virginia (proportional representation) and New Jersey (equal representation) plans.

Constitutional Framework

The Constitution emerged from a series of compromises among the states to establish a stronger government.
Delegate motivations were influenced by their states' interests, leading to extensive debate over compromises like the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Purpose of the 1787 Meeting

State delegates convened to discuss improving the governmental structure and addressing weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Representation Models

The New Jersey Plan advocated for equal representation regardless of state population, favoring smaller states.
The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on state population, benefiting larger states and inspiring the counter-proposal (New Jersey Plan).

Regional Differences

Northern states in the 1780s had a lower prevalence of enslaved labor compared to Southern states, influencing discussions on representation and the Three-Fifths Compromise.

After the Compromises

Following the establishment of the Three-Fifths Compromise, the next significant issue addressed by the delegates was the presidential election process.

Description

Test your knowledge about the key elements of the United States Constitution with these flashcards. Learn about the Great Compromise, the reasons behind the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and how various compromises shaped the final document.