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The drafting of the U.S. Constitution, often referred to as its
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basis of representation | Equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives |
| Number of senators per state | One-third of senators take the oath of office at the start of each new Congress |
| Qualifications for office | Members of the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old and have been citizens of the United States for at least 7 years |
| Terms of service | Senators serve terms of office |
| Powers | The Senate shall choose its own President |
| Drafting process | Multiple drafts were created, revised, and discussed by committees and delegates before a final version was agreed upon and signed on September 17, 1787 |
| Ratification | Nine states were required to ratify the Constitution for it to go into effect; eleven states ultimately ratified it |
| Separation of powers | The federal government is divided into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial |
| Federalism | Articles IV, V, and VI describe the rights and responsibilities of state governments, their relationship to the federal government, and the shared process of constitutional amendment |
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What You'll Learn
The 'Great Compromise'
The Great Compromise, also known as the Sherman Compromise or the Connecticut Compromise, was one of the most pivotal agreements made during the drafting of the United States Constitution. It addressed the contentious issue of representation in Congress and reconciled the differing plans proposed by large and small states, namely the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan.
The Virginia Plan, proposed by delegate Edmund Randolph of Virginia, advocated for representation based on population size. This plan favoured the larger states, as it proposed that representation in both houses of Congress be allocated according to population, ensuring greater power and influence for states with bigger populations. Smaller states, fearing their interests would be overshadowed, countered with the New Jersey Plan, which called for equal representation for all states in both houses.
The Great Compromise, crafted by delegate Roger Sherman of Connecticut, offered a creative solution to this impasse. It established a bicameral legislature, creating two distinct houses within Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. In the House of Representatives, representation would be allocated based on population, favouring the larger states. Each state's number of representatives would be determined by its population, with periodic censuses ensuring accurate representation over time. On the other hand, the Senate provided for equal representation, with two senators representing each state regardless of its population. This aspect protected the interests of smaller states and ensured they maintained a degree of influence in the legislative process.
The Compromise was a pivotal moment in the Constitutional Convention, as it You may want to see also The executive branch, according to the Virginia Plan, would be headed by a single executive, chosen by the national legislature. The executive would have the power to carry out federal law and serve as the commander-in-chief of the military. The judicial branch would consist of a Supreme Court with judges appointed by the national legislature, and it would have the power to overturn state laws that were contrary to the national constitution. You may want to see also While the Vice President's primary role is to be ready to step into the presidency, they also have other significant responsibilities. They preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes, influencing legislation and policy-making. The Vice President also serves as a key advisor to the President, providing counsel on various matters and participating in Cabinet meetings. Additionally, they may take on diplomatic roles, representing the US abroad and engaging in international negotiations. Historically, the role of the Vice President has evolved and expanded over time. In the early days of the nation, the Vice President had relatively limited responsibilities and was often seen as a backup option for the presidency. However, as the country's political system evolved, the Vice Presidency became more influential. Vice Presidents began to be more actively involved in policy-making, governance, and the overall administration of the country. Today, the Vice President plays a crucial role in the executive branch. They work closely with the President and other senior officials to shape the country's agenda and implement policies. The Vice President may chair meetings, lead task forces, and take on specific projects or initiatives, depending on their expertise and the President's priorities. They also have the power to make important appointments, filling vacancies in federal agencies and commissions. The Vice President's role also extends to representing and advocating for the administration's policies and agenda. They may engage in public appearances, speeches, and media interviews to explain and promote the President's decisions and proposals. Additionally, the Vice President can play a pivotal role in rallying support for the administration's initiatives, both within Congress and among the public. This includes building bipartisan backing for key policies and fostering collaboration across political divides. In conclusion, the role of the Vice President is vital to the US constitutional framework. While their primary responsibility is to be prepared to assume the presidency, the Vice President also has significant duties and influence while in office. These include legislative influence, advisory functions, diplomatic representation, and advocacy for the administration's agenda. The evolution of the Vice Presidency reflects the dynamic nature of the country's political system, adapting to meet evolving governance needs and expectations. You may want to see also Under the separation of powers, the US federal government is divided into three distinct branches: the legislative, the You may want to see also The process of ratification was not straightforward. The first draft, or the "Mystery Page 63", was discovered by a researcher and is believed to be part of a Constitutional draft, specifically, the first page of a third draft. This was followed by the "'First Draft', penned by James Wilson, and then the "Second Draft", also by Wilson. The "First Printed Draft" was written by Edmund Randolph of Virginia, and this was followed by the "Second Printed Draft", of which a copy was owned by Jacob Broom. The "official" copies were then printed for the Constitutional Convention, and the Pennsylvania Packet printing was the first public printing. The Constitutional Convention appointed a Committee of Detail, including John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson, to draft a detailed constitution based on the resolutions passed by the convention. This committee presented a 23-article (plus preamble) constitution on August 6, which was discussed and revised until September 10. A Committee of Style and Arrangement, including Alexander Hamilton, William Samuel Johnson, and Rufus King, was then appointed to prepare a final version. The final draft, presented on September 12, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement, with Gouverneur Morris as its primary author. On September 17, 1787, the Constitutional Convention voted in favour of the Constitution. The states now had to decide whether to accept or reject it. By July 2, 1788, nine states had ratified the Constitution, with New Hampshire being the ninth, making it the law of the land. Eventually, eleven states ratified the Constitution, instituting a new form of government for the United States. You may want to see also The Constitution of the United States is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world. It establishes a federal government divided into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was called to revise the ailing Articles of Confederation, which gave little power to the central government. The Convention soon abandoned the Articles, drafting a new Constitution with a stronger national government. Fifty-five delegates attended the Constitutional Convention, chosen by their state legislatures. The drafting process involved several committees, including the Committee of Detail, which included John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson. The Committee of Style and Arrangement, which included Alexander Hamilton, William Samuel Johnson, and Rufus King, prepared the final version. Gouverneur Morris, who chaired this committee, is often referred to as the "penman of the Constitution." The drafting process involved fierce debate over the structure and powers of the federal government. The Convention also established equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives, known as the "Great Compromise." The final draft, presented on September 12, 1787, contained seven articles, a preamble, and a closing endorsement. The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and went into effect when nine states ratified it. 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