U.S. Constitution Debate Compromises

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Questions and Answers

What did the founders prioritize to avoid a repeat of monarchy?

Eliminating state governments entirely

Establishing a dictatorship to maintain order

Creating a loose confederation with limited central authority (correct)

Empowering the central government with extensive powers

Which amendment in the Constitution specifically addresses the powers of the state governments?

1st Amendment

5th Amendment

15th Amendment

10th Amendment (correct)

What was a significant concern of the Anti-Federalists in relation to government powers?

They wanted to limit state powers completely.

They believed the National Legislature should have unlimited powers.

They supported a monarchy as a form of governance.

They feared the central government would be too powerful. (correct)

What key concept did the Constitution introduce regarding the division of power?

Shared powers between Federal and State governments Signup and view all the answers

Which group supported a stronger central government during the Constitutional debates?

Federalists Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Virginia Plan?

To protect the interests of large states Signup and view all the answers

Which plan called for each state to have one vote in the legislative body?

New Jersey Plan Signup and view all the answers

How does the Great Compromise relate to representation in Congress?

It created a two-house Congress with varying representation Signup and view all the answers

What does Article I Section 2 specify?

How the House of Representatives is chosen Signup and view all the answers

What was a common goal of both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans?

To establish a strong national government Signup and view all the answers

What did the compromise reached by the Connecticut Plan primarily address?

Representation in Congress Signup and view all the answers

What primary issue did the debate between large and small states revolve around?

State representation in Congress Signup and view all the answers

What does Article I Section 3 focus on?

How the Senate is chosen Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of non-slave states regarding the representation of enslaved individuals?

Enslaved individuals should not be counted at all. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ⅗ Compromise entail?

Every three enslaved individuals count as one person for representation. Signup and view all the answers

Which sections of Article I outline the jobs of the House and Senate?

Sections 5-9 Signup and view all the answers

What did the Southern States want concerning the counting of enslaved individuals?

They should be counted fully to increase representation. Signup and view all the answers

What was the agreement regarding the continuation of the slave trade?

It would continue for an additional 20 years after ratification. Signup and view all the answers

What clause relates to the legality of slavery in Article I?

Article I, Section 9, Clause 1 Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily fought against counting enslaved individuals for representation?

Northern States Signup and view all the answers

What was expected from the states concerning escaped slaves?

States must return escaped slaves to their owners. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary debate regarding the executive branch during the compromise discussions?

Whether to have a president and how to elect one Signup and view all the answers

Which system was established to elect the president?

Electoral College Signup and view all the answers

Which groups were primarily involved in the debates about the executive election process?

Southern States vs Northern States Signup and view all the answers

How were the electors for the Electoral College chosen according to the compromises?

Each state decided how to choose their electors Signup and view all the answers

What did the Electors represent in the context of democracy discussed?

An elite model influencing government Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the number of electors each state has?

Same as the number of representatives in Congress Signup and view all the answers

The debates over the election of the executive involved which socioeconomic group dynamic?

Privileged citizens vs citizens of lower socioeconomic status Signup and view all the answers

What was one outcome of the debates concerning the election of the executive?

Formulation of the Electoral College Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

This quiz will guide you through the key debates surrounding the compromises made during the formation of the U.S. Constitution. You will examine both sides of arguments such as the Virginia Plan and the resulting solutions that shaped our government structure. Color-coded sections will help you visualize the different perspectives and their resolutions.