Major Compromises of the Constitutional Convention WHO WERE

Major Compromises of the Constitutional Convention

WHO WERE THE FRAMERS? • • • 74 chosen – only 55 attend 34 College Educated Many fought for Revolution 46 served in 2 nd Continental Congress or National Congress 7 had been state governors 8 signed Declaration of Independence 19 served in Senate 13 House of Representatives 1 Vice President 2 Presidents Known as the “Framers”

Procedure of the Convention • Friday May 25, 1787 • Elect George Washington President of Convention • Monday May 28 • Set rules for Procedure • Majority of States needed to conduct business • Each State gets 1 vote • Majority passes proposals • May 30, 1787 • Adopt proposal to no longer just “REVISE” Articles • New Government was needed

Virginia Plan

New Jersey Plan

Connecticut Compromise (THE GREAT COMPROMISE) • Conflict • Equal Representation vs. Population determination? • Resolution • Bicameral Legislature • Smaller chamber – Senate • Equal Representation • Larger chamber – House of Representatives • Population determines # from each state

Three-Fifths Compromise • Conflict • Counting of slaves for the new House of Reps • Northern States – Slaves shouldn’t count • Southern States – Slaves should count as population • Resolution • Free Persons = 1 person • “All Other Persons” (Slaves) = 3/5 of a person • Counts as 3/5 of a person with regards to tax as well though!!

Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise • Conflict • North/Commercial, South/Agricultural (TOBACCO) • North – Needed to Regulate Trade • South • Export Taxes levied would hurt South more • Fear Congress would change Slave Trade • Resolution • Congress CANNOT tax exports of any State • Cannot alter slave trade for 20 years • 1808 Congress would ban importing of slaves