The Constitution Flashcards
What were the problems Under the Articles?
- It created a weak national government
- The government was on the verge of bankruptcy
- There was seven inflation
- There was debilitating economic competition between the states
Convention was held in secrecy because?
- Allowed for free and open discussion
- Prevented states from undermining the proceedings
What is the Constitutional Convention?
Delegates were sent from the states to Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 to make changes to the government that would bring stability to the country
Delegate agreements?
1) The need for a stronger national government
2) The need for a separation of powers in the government; this concept was developed by the French philosopher Montesquieu
3) Social contract theory
(Separation of powers) What is the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary?
Legislature (Congress) makes the laws
Executive (President) carries out the laws
Judiciary (Courts) interprets the laws
(Representation in Congress) Virginia Plan (large states)?
Congress would be bicameral; representation in both chambers determined by the state population size
(Representation in Congress) New Jersey Plan (small states)?
Congress would be unicameral; each state would get equal representation
What is the Great Compromise?
Congress would be bicameral; lower chamber based on state population size; upper chamber based on equal representation
(Slavery) South?
Slaves should be counted for purposes of representation
(Slavery) North?
Slaves should not be counted for purposes of representation
Three-fifths Compromise?
- All free persons would count as a whole person
- Slaves would be count as ⅗ of a person
- Indians not counted at all
(Economic Regulation) South?
Congress should not be allowed to regulate commerce
(Economic Regulation) North?
Congress should be allowed to regulate commerce
Compromise?
Congress would regulate commerce
Exports would be exempt from taxation
Slave trade would continue until 1808
