Convention and Compromise
7-2
Objectives
• Learn how the Constitutional Convention broke the deadlock
over the form the new government would take.
• Learn how the delegates answered the question of
representation.
Economic Depression
After the war the nation suffered an economic depression. Trade
had slowed, money was in short supply, debts could not be paid.
Shay’s Rebellion
Times were extremely difficult for farmers. Led by Daniel Shays,
in 1786 farmers closed courts stopping them from seizing farms. In
January 1787, they attacked the federal arsenal at Springfield MA.
The revolt was stopped by Massachusetts State Militia.
Issue of Slavery
Since one of the cornerstones of the Revolution was
independence, the question of slavery began to rise. Soon the
idea of manumission, freeing slaves, became widely discussed.
A Call for Change
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
The Constitutional Convention
Beginning May 5, 1787, 55
delegates met through the
summer at Independence Hall
in Philadelphia. James
Madison’s notes give historians
the most accurate account of
the events of the convention.
Organization of the Convention
George Washington was
chosen to lead the
convention. A simple
majority would decide
issues. And more than
half the states needed to
be present (quorum) to
conduct business.
Proceedings were held
without the public.
The Virginia Plan
James Madison
Representation
• In the Virginia Plan,
representation in the
Congress would be
proportional to a state’s
population. Greater the
population, the more
representatives.
The New Jersey Plan
William Paterson
Equal Representation
• The New Jersey Plan called
for representation to be on
an equal basis for all.
The Great Compromise
The Great or Connecticut
Compromise was introduced by
Roger Sherman of Connecticut.
It called for a bicameral (two
house) legislature. One based on
the Virginia Plan, and one based
on the New Jersey Plan.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Disagreements arose of how
enslaved people should be
counter. Southerners believed
slaves should be counted as a
whole for representation
purposes. Northerners thought
slaves should only be counted
for taxation. A compromise
counted slaves as three fifths of a
person.
Slave Trade
Congress agreed not to interfere with the issue of slavery until 1808.
Bill of Rights
George Mason proposed that a Bill of Rights be adopted since no
individual freedoms were spelled out in the Constitution. The
measure failed.
Approving the Constitution
The Convention concluded its work on September 17, 1787.
Nine states would have to ratify (approve) the Constitution for it
to become the law of the land.
Self Check Questions
• Why was George Washington chosen as president of the
convention?
• Why is compromise so important in politics?
• Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.
• What did the Great Compromise create?