Constitution Flashcards
Why was a constitution needed?
Americans worried about the weaknesses of the AoC, so they needed a new method of govt.
What happened in the ratification debate?
Federalists and antifederalists debated at state conventions about whether or not the Constitution should be ratified.
What were slavery issues involving the 3/5 compromise?
Southern delegates wanted slaves to count when counting reps. for Congress, but Northern delegates said slaves can’t vote, so they shouldn’t count. Compromise: Each slave counted as 3/5 of a free person.
Why did the North agree to the 3/5 Compromise?
Northern delegates agreed to keep the South in the Union.
What was the debate over the slave trade?
N wanted to ban selling/buying of people in the country, but the S said it would ruin their economy. Compromise: Enslaved people could be brought by ship for 20 more years, but then it would be illegal.
What was the Virginia Plan?
For large states, called for a strong central govt. 3 branches, Legislative had 2 houses w/ reps. based on the population.
What could the Legislature do under the Virginia Plan?
Regulate trade, declare laws unconstitutional, armed forces to enforce law
What was the New Jersey Plan?
For small states, wanted all states to have equal votes. single house of Congress, equal reps. for all states.
What could the national govt. do under the NJ Plan?
Levy taxes and trade, regulate trade, state law was subordinate to federal law
What was the Great Compromise?
2 house Congress, state legislature could choose senators, small states were now willing to support a strong central govt.
Who wrote the Great Compromise?
Roger Sherman
Who wrote the Virginia Plan?
James Madison
What were the functions of the 2 house Legislature under the Great Compromise?
Lower House: House of Reps., based on pop. of each state, served 2 yr. terms. Upper House: Senate, each state had 2 seats; the states chose senators who served 6 yr. terms
Who were the leaders of the Federalists?
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay
What were the Federalist Papers?
A series of 85 newspaper essays that supported the Constitution
