Isabella Carter
The United States Constitution, which serves as the framework for the country's government, was drafted at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The convention was attended by delegates from 12 of the 13 original states, with Rhode Island refusing to send representatives. The Virginia Plan, also known as the Large State Plan or Randolph Plan, proposed by Virginia delegates, was the first proposal considered. It called for a bicameral (two-house) Congress with proportional representation based on state population, an elected chief executive, and an appointed judiciary. The New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, was presented in response to the Virginia Plan, advocating for a unicameral (one-house) legislature where each state had a single vote. The delegates ultimately agreed on a compromise known as the Connecticut Compromise or Great Compromise, which adopted elements from both plans. The Constitution-drafting process was influenced by political philosophers like John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, who advocated for a social contract between the government and the governed. The final document, along with the Declaration, was later enshrined in the National Archives for future generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basis | The Virginia Plan, also known as the Large State Plan or the Randolph Plan |
| The New Jersey Plan, also known as the Small State Plan or the Paterson Plan | |
| Structure and Powers of Congress | Bicameral (two-house) Congress |
| Proportional representation in the House of Representatives | |
| Equal representation for each state in the Senate | |
| Direct taxation according to representation | |
| Impeachment provision | |
| Proportional representation for seats in the House of Representatives based on population | |
| Equal representation for each state in the Senate with each state's legislators choosing their respective senators | |
| All money bills would originate in the House | |
| The Senate class system and the length of terms | |
| A republican form of government grounded in representing the people in the states |
Explore related products
$15.86 $29.95
What You'll Learn
The Virginia Plan
The plan proposed a bicameral (two-house) legislature, with the first branch of the legislature, the House of Representatives, being elected by the people of the several states for a term of three years. The members of the second branch, the Senate, would be selected by the members of the first branch from candidates nominated by state legislatures. The national legislature would have all the legislative powers belonging to the Confederation Congress, as well as new powers.
Framers' Constitution Reaction: A United Front?
You may want to see also
The New Jersey Plan
The third resolution established the three-fifths rule, whereby three-fifths of the number of enslaved people in a state would be counted for determining its population when assessing funding requests from Congress. The fourth resolution added an executive branch to be made up of multiple individuals, with a provision for their removal by a majority vote of the states. The fifth resolution provided for a federal judiciary appointed by the executive branch.
West Valley Boundaries in San Fernando Valley
You may want to see also
The Articles of Confederation
The process of ratification by the 13 colonies took more than three years and was completed on March 1, 1781, when Maryland became the final state to ratify the Articles. During this time, Congress observed the Articles as its de facto frame of government, directing the Revolutionary War effort, conducting diplomacy, addressing territorial issues, and dealing with Native American relations. However, the limitations on the central government's powers hindered its ability to effectively govern the growing nation.
By the late 1780s, it became apparent that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate in meeting the young nation's needs. The central government lacked the power and authority necessary to address economic and political challenges facing the country. In May 1787, the Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation and create a stronger and more effective central government. This led to the drafting and adoption of the United States Constitution, which replaced the Articles of Confederation as the nation's governing framework.
Constitution Timeline: Key Dates and Events
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$19.99 $32.5
The Bill of Rights
The Constitution of the United States was drafted at the Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia between May 25 and September 17, 1787. The convention was attended by delegates from 12 of the 13 original states, with Rhode Island refusing to send delegates. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the first constitution of the United States, had proven ineffective in meeting the needs of the young nation, and the convention's initial mandate was to amend these articles. However, the delegates quickly began considering measures to replace them entirely.
Two plans for structuring the federal government emerged at the outset: the Virginia Plan, also known as the Large State Plan or the Randolph Plan, and the New Jersey Plan. The Virginia Plan, introduced by delegates from Virginia, proposed a bicameral (two-house) Congress with proportional representation based on state population, an elected chief executive, and an appointed judicial branch. The New Jersey Plan, presented by William Paterson in response, proposed a unicameral (one-house) legislature in which each state had a single vote.
A Committee of Eleven, including one delegate from each state represented, was formed to work out a compromise on the issue of representation in the federal legislature. This resulted in the Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise. The compromise proposed proportional representation for seats in the House of Representatives based on population, with equal representation for each state in the Senate.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments outline and protect the basic rights of citizens, including life, liberty, and property. The Bill of Rights has been the subject of interpretation and debate over time, with Supreme Court Justices citing the influence of philosophers such as John Locke and Montesquieu on its framing.
The Constitution: Strict Construction's Impact
You may want to see also
The Connecticut Compromise
The Compromise proposed by Sherman and Ellsworth retained the bicameral legislature, with proportional representation in the lower house and equal representation for each state in the upper house. All revenue measures would originate in the lower house. This Compromise was approved on July 16, 1787, and allowed for the continuation of deliberations, leading to the Three-Fifths Compromise, which further complicated the issue of popular representation in the House.
Bush v. Gore: A Constitutional Conundrum
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Virginia Plan, also known as the Large State Plan or the Randolph Plan, is often considered the basis of the US Constitution.
The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral (two-house) Congress with proportional representation based on state population, an elected chief executive, and an appointed judicial branch.
Yes, the New Jersey Plan, proposed by William Paterson, was put forward as an alternative to the Virginia Plan. It suggested a unicameral (one-house) legislature where each state had a single vote.
The delegates eventually reached a compromise known as the Connecticut Compromise or the "Great Compromise". It proposed proportional representation for the House of Representatives based on population and equal representation for each state in the Senate.
