The Constitutional Convention

Essential Question: How was compromise essential to creating the United States Constitution?
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held at
Independence Hall in Philadelphia. 55 men from
throughout the colonies came together for the purpose
of strengthening the Articles of Confederation. George
Washington was chosen as president of the convention.
Rhode Island did not send delegates to the convention,
so the Articles of Confederation could not be
amended (changed). Remember, all 13 states had to
agree in order to amend the Articles of Confederation.
Because of this, the Articles needed to be abandoned
and a new constitution needed to be created.
From the start of the convention, controversy arose
concerning voting on legislation (laws). Larger states such as Pennsylvania wanted their votes to
count more than smaller states because they represented larger populations. Smaller states such as
New Jersey feared that their ideas and opinions would be ignored.
The Great Compromise
A few days in to the convention, Virginia governor Edmund Randolph presented the Virginia Plan, a
compilation of ideas drafted by future president James Madison (referred to as the "Father of the
Constitution").
The Virginia Plan
It proposed 3 branches of government
The Legislative Branch would have 2 Houses (bicameral)
Both houses would have representation based on population of the states (more people=more
reps/votes)
This plan clearly favored the larger states. The smaller states began to voice their opposition. William
Paterson, from New Jersey, warned that his state would never go along with the plan. He then
proposed another idea known as the New Jersey Plan.
The New Jersey Plan
It proposed 3 branches of government
The Legislative Branch would have 1 Houses (unicameral)
each state would be given 1 representative to vote when making federal laws.

After much debate, Roger Sherman of Connecticut proposed a compromise regarding the issue of
representation. His ideas was a blend of the two plans. This became known as the Great
Compromise.
The Great Compromise
The Legislative Branch would have 2 Houses (bicameral)
1. House of Representatives
representation based on population of the states (more people=more reps/votes)
2. Senate

each state would be given 2 representatives to vote when making federal laws.

Upon discussing the Connecticut Plan, the delegates from the large states agreed to the compromise
to prevent the delegates from the smaller states from leaving the convention.
The Three-Fifths Compromise
A second disagreement concerned the counting
of slaves. Southern states wanted slaves to be
counted as a part of their population for
representation in Congress. Northern states,
with far fewer slaves, opposed this idea.
The Northern and Southern States
compromised by agreeing to count every 5
slaves as 3 free persons for both
representation and taxation.
As a result of the agreements and compromises
reached at the Constitutional Convention, the
delegates created a new system of government, but not before more disagreement and debate.
Note Questions:
1. What was the Constitutional Convention and what was its purpose?
3. Explain the Three-fifths Compromise. What is your reaction to this idea?
Summary:
Using details from your notes, explain how compromises were an important part of creating our plan
for government.