Identify the most important compromises achieved by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787
Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Discuss the compromise between the large and small states and issues regarding the composition and structure of Congress. The answer should discuss how larger states wanted greater representation in the legislative branch, whereas the small states favored equal representation. The Virginia Plan, for example, would have included a two-chambered legislature, and representation would be based on wealth and population, thus favoring larger states. The New Jersey Plan favored smaller states and would have had a unicameral legislature, where all states had equal representation. The Connecticut Compromise created a two-chambered legislature with one chamber based on population and the other based on equal representation across states.
2. Explain that compromises also had to be made between states in the North and the South. Southern states, for example, were concerned that northern majorities in Congress might discriminate against southerners in trade issues. The solution was to require a two-thirds vote to ratify treaties in the Senate.
3. Indicate that the northern and southern states also disagreed over how slaves should be counted for representational purposes. The southern states wanted slaves counted; the northern states were not as keen. The compromise was to count each slave as three-fifths of a person.
4. Describe other issues such as the structure and nature of the federal court system and how the president would be selected. Ultimately, the Electoral College was created.
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