2.3: Writing the Constitution

What was the New Jersey Plan?

A framework for the Constitution proposed by a group of small states. It's key points were a one house legislature with one vote for each state, a Congress with the ability to raise revenue, and a Supreme Court with members appointed for life.

What is the document establishing structure, functions, and limitations of government?

Constitution

Who's idea was the Virginia Plan?

Edmund Randolph and James Madison

What was the compromise on the Issue of Slavery?

Framers agreed that Northerners would support continuation of slave trade for 20 more years as well as 20 year ban on taxing exports to protect cotton trade.

What was the Great Compromise (specifically)?

The final decision of the Constitutional Convention to create a two-house legislature (House of Representatives) with the lower house elected by the people and with powers divided between the 2 houses. It also made national law, supreme.

What was the Virginia Plan?

The first general plan for the Constitution offered in Philadelphia. It's key points were a bicameral legislature, as well as an executive and a judiciary chosen by the national legislature.

What was the purpose of the convention in Philadelphia and why?

To revise the Articles of Confederation (write the Constitution) because of the disunity between the states and a weak central government.

What happened at the convention in Philly, 1787?

Two plans were proposed: Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan. Virginia Plan triumphed after debate, but through compromises they were able to include ideals of both.

Who's idea was the New Jersey Plan?

William Patterson

When was the Constitution written?

1787

Where was the convention to write the Constitution held?

Philadelphia

What was the most serious disagreement between Virginia and New Jersey Plans?

Representation in Congress

What were the most important Constitutional Compromises?

The Great Compromise, the Issue of Slavery, and the 3/5 Compromise.

What happened with the Great Compromise?

The delegates worked on an agreement taking ideas from both plans.