Designing the Constitution
In 1787 delegates met in Philadelphia to fix the Articles and ended up writing a new constitution.
Key compromises
Large and small states clashed over representation. The Great (Connecticut) Compromise created a bicameral Congress: a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with two senators per state. The Three-Fifths Compromise counted three-fifths of enslaved people for representation and taxes, a deal that protected slavery's political power.
Separation of powers and checks and balances
The Constitution divides power among three branches: Congress makes laws, the president enforces them, and the courts interpret them. Each branch can check the others: the president can veto bills, Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses, the Senate confirms judges, and courts can strike down unconstitutional laws.
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Federalists, such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, defended the Constitution in the Federalist Papers. Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government would threaten liberty and demanded a bill of rights. Ratification required nine of the thirteen states, and promises to add a bill of rights helped win approval.
Flashcard
Created a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation
Check your understanding
Congress passes a bill, the president vetoes it, and Congress then overrides the veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses. This illustrates: