Comparing Plans Of The Constitutional Convention Answers Pdf
The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, was called for by the states to discuss and create a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which were deemed insufficient for governing the country. During the Convention, several plans were proposed, each with its own ideas and goals for the new constitution. This article will compare and discuss the plans put forth during the Convention and their impacts on the United States today. We will also provide a downloadable Constitutional Convention Answers PDF for your convenience.
The Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan, also known as the Large State Plan, was proposed by James Madison and Edmund Randolph. This plan proposed a strong central government, with three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch would have two chambers, with representation based on population. This plan also allowed the federal government to veto state laws and regulate commerce. The Virginia Plan was favored by the larger states, such as Virginia and Pennsylvania, as it gave them more power in the government.
The New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, was the opposite of the Virginia Plan. It called for a unicameral legislature, with each state having one vote, regardless of population. This plan also proposed a weak executive branch and a judiciary appointed by the executive. The New Jersey Plan was favored by the smaller states, such as New Jersey and Delaware, as it gave them more power in the government.
The Connecticut Compromise
The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, was proposed by Roger Sherman and Oliver Ellsworth. This compromise combined the ideas of the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan. It proposed a bicameral legislature, with representation based on population in the House of Representatives and equal representation in the Senate. This compromise satisfied both the large and small states and was eventually adopted.
The Three-Fifths Compromise
The Three-Fifths Compromise was proposed during the Convention to address how slaves would be counted in determining a state's population for representation in the House of Representatives. It was decided that each slave would count as three-fifths of a person. This compromise was controversial and is now viewed as a stain on our country's history and a reminder of the racism that existed during that time.
The Commerce Compromise
The Commerce Compromise was proposed to address how commerce would be regulated in the new government. The Southern states wanted to protect their agricultural exports, while the Northern states wanted to protect their manufacturing industry. It was decided that Congress could regulate commerce, but could not tax exports.
The Impact of the Convention's Plans Today
The plans put forth during the Constitutional Convention continue to impact the United States today. The Virginia Plan's creation of a strong central government is reflected in the power of the President and the federal government's ability to regulate commerce. The Connecticut Compromise's creation of a bicameral legislature is still in use today, with Congress made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Three-Fifths Compromise was later abolished by the 13th Amendment, which ended slavery in America. The Commerce Compromise allowed Congress to regulate commerce, which has led to the United States becoming a global economic superpower.
Downloadable Constitutional Convention Answers PDF
If you're looking for an easy way to study the Constitutional Convention and its plans, we've got a downloadable PDF for you. Our Constitutional Convention Answers PDF includes comprehensive answers to all questions related to the Convention, its plans, and its impact on the United States today. You can download it here.