3.2 The Constitutional Convention: Delegates and Key Debates

The Constitutional Convention brought together influential figures like James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. They debated different plans for government structure, with large states favoring representation based on population and small states pushing for equal representation.

Key compromises shaped the Constitution, including the Great Compromise creating a bicameral legislature and the Three-Fifths Compromise on counting enslaved people. Federalists and Anti-Federalists then battled over ratification, with debates in state conventions ultimately leading to the Constitution's adoption.

Delegates and Plans

Key Figures at the Philadelphia Convention

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• Philadelphia Convention convened in 1787 to address weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
• James Madison known as the "Father of the Constitution" due to his significant contributions and detailed notes
• Alexander Hamilton advocated for a strong central government and co-authored the Federalist Papers
• Benjamin Franklin served as a mediator and voice of reason during contentious debates
• George Washington presided over the convention, lending credibility and authority to the proceedings

Proposed Plans for Government Structure

• Virginia Plan proposed by James Madison favored large states with representation based on population
  • Included a bicameral legislature with both houses based on population
  • Called for a strong national government with power to tax and regulate commerce
• New Jersey Plan favored small states with equal representation for all states
  • Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal votes for each state
  • Sought to maintain a weaker central government with limited powers

Compromises and Factions

Key Compromises in Constitution Formation

• Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) resolved the conflict between large and small states
  • Created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House of Representatives
  • Established equal representation for all states in the Senate
• Three-Fifths Compromise determined how enslaved people would be counted for representation and taxation
  • Counted three-fifths of the enslaved population for both purposes
• Commerce Compromise allowed Congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade
  • Prohibited taxes on exports from any state

Opposing Factions and Ratification Process

• Federalists supported the Constitution and a strong central government
  • Led by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
  • Wrote the Federalist Papers to promote ratification
• Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, fearing too much central power
  • Included Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and George Mason
  • Advocated for a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties
• Ratification debates occurred in state conventions across the country
  • Nine states required for ratification
  • Delaware became the first state to ratify on December 7, 1787
  • New Hampshire became the ninth state on June 21, 1788, officially adopting the Constitution