U.S. Constitution Debate Compromises

Compromise #1: Representation

• Virginia Plan advocated for three branches of government and national supremacy over states, prioritizing large states' interests.
• New Jersey Plan insisted on state sovereignty with a limited national government, ensuring equal representation (one vote per state) to protect small states' interests.
• Groups involved were Large States vs Small States.
• Great Compromise (Connecticut) established a bicameral Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Constitution details:
  • Article I Section 1 outlines the Legislative Branch structure.
  • Article I Section 2 specifies the selection of House members.
  • Article I Section 3 describes the election of Senators.
  • Article I Section 4 allows states to govern Congressional election procedures.

Compromise #2: Slavery

• Debate centered on whether enslaved individuals should be counted for state representation: non-slave states argued against it.
• Compromise reached with the Three-Fifths Compromise, counting three out of five enslaved individuals towards a state's population.
• Additional issues included:
  • Southern states were allowed to continue the slave trade for 20 years post-ratification.
  • Extradition clause addressed escape of enslaved individuals, detailing how states should handle fugitives.
• Groups involved were Southern States vs Northern States.
• Constitutional references:
  • Article I, Section 9, Clause 1 discusses the legality of slavery and continuation of the slave trade.
  • Article IV, Section 2, Clause 3 mandates the return of escaped slaves to their home states.

Compromise #3: Office of the President

• Debate focused on the existence of an executive branch and the method of electing the president.
• Two main arguments presented:
  • Congress should elect the president versus the general population should choose.
• The Electoral College was established as a compromise, allowing states to decide electors' selection while granting electors the authority to vote.
• Each state receives electors equal to their congressional representatives, combining elite electoral practices with popular vote influence.
• Groups involved were Privileged Citizens vs Citizens of lower socioeconomic status.
• Constitutional reference situated in Article II, Section 1.

Compromise #4: Federalism

• Discussion revolved around the division of powers between federal and state governments, emphasizing the need for balance.
• The Constitution defines shared powers between federal and state governments.
• Groups involved were Strong Federal Government vs Strong State Government, including Federalists vs Anti-Federalists.
• Specific locations in the Constitution:
  • The 10th Amendment affirms states' rights.
  • Article IV outlines the nature of federalism.
• Founders sought to avoid central authority replication of the British monarchy, leading to cautious power distribution to the national government.