The Great Compromise and Government Branches

The Great Compromise

• The Constitutional Convention committee, led by Roger Sherman, resolved disagreements by creating a compromise.
• This compromise addressed representation in the legislative branch.
• Each state would have two senators in the Senate, regardless of population.
• The House of Representatives' representation would be based on the state's population.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

• Delegates from the North and South had differing views on how to count enslaved populations for representation in Congress.
• The Three-Fifths Compromise's solution determined one enslaved person would count as three-fifths of a free person for representation purposes.
• This compromise also impacted taxation, tying it to the state's population with this calculation.

Branches of Government

• Legislative: Congress establishes the legislative branch; consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.
• Executive: This branch is led by the President, Vice President, cabinet, and other federal agencies.
• Judicial: The supreme court and other courts form the judicial branch.

Separation of Powers

• The separation of powers established by the U.S. Constitution prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• The branches work together to ensure efficient government and protection of citizens' rights.

Amendment Process

• The Constitution is designed to be adaptable to changing times and challenges.
• The amendment process allows for changes to the Constitution as needed, reflecting society's advancements.

Bill of Rights

• The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect citizens' rights.
• Antifederalists advocated for these additional protections.
• The Bill of Rights reflects the ongoing importance of the political process.