Discuss the major debates and compromises that occurred during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Evaluate the significance of these compromises in shaping the structure and powers of the United States government.
Exam Answer:
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was convened to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and formulate a new framework for the governance of the United States. This historic gathering brought together delegates from the thirteen states, who engaged in vigorous debates and made several compromises which greatly influenced the structure and powers of the U.S. government. Let's examine some of the major debates and compromises that took place during the Constitutional Convention:
Representation in Congress:
One of the central debates focused on the issue of how states would be represented in the legislative branch of the new government. The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for each state. The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, emerged as a solution, establishing a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the House of Representatives. This compromise satisfied the concerns of both large and small states and became a fundamental pillar of the U.S. government.
Slavery and the Three-Fifths Compromise:
Slavery was another divisive issue during the Convention. Southern states wanted enslaved individuals to be counted as part of their population for determining representation in Congress, but not for taxation purposes. Northern states opposed this. To resolve the conflict, the Three-Fifths Compromise was reached, stating that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxation. This compromise appeased the Southern states, despite its failure to recognize the full humanity of enslaved individuals, and had a lasting impact on the political power dynamics of the country.
The Commerce Compromise:
Debates surrounding commerce and trade regulation also arose during the Convention. The Northern states sought to grant the central government broad powers over commerce, whereas the Southern states were concerned that such powers would threaten their agricultural economy. The Commerce Compromise was reached, granting Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, but prohibiting the levying of export taxes and interfering with the slave trade until 1808. This compromise balanced the interests of both regions and established the foundation for federal control over commerce.
The Electoral College:
The method of selecting the president was another topic of intense discussion. Some delegates favored direct popular election, while others believed that Congress should choose the president. The Electoral College Compromise emerged, establishing a system whereby electors chosen by the states would vote for the president. This compromise balanced the concerns of those who feared direct democracy with those who sought to avoid undue influence by Congress or the states, and it continues to influence the current presidential election process.
These compromises were significant in shaping the structure and powers of the U.S. government. They addressed key issues of representation, slavery, commerce, and presidential selection, allowing for a balance of power and diverse interests. Without these compromises, it is unlikely that a new constitution would have been ratified, leading to a more fractured and weak national government. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 demonstrated the ability of the delegates to negotiate and compromise in order to establish a more enduring and effective government for the United States.