Isabella Carter
The Constitution of the United States was drafted during a convention in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. The first draft was accepted on August 6, 1787, and the final document was signed by the delegates on September 17, 1787. The Constitution was then ratified by the Confederation Congress in New York on July 2, 1788, after receiving approval from a reconvened New Hampshire ratifying convention, making New Hampshire the ninth state to ratify. The Virginia Plan, drafted by James Madison and introduced by Edmund Randolph, proposed a bicameral national legislature with representation in both houses proportional to the size of the state. This plan, also known as the Great Compromise or the Connecticut Compromise, established equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives. The final Constitution, with its four sections - an introductory paragraph or preamble, a list of seven articles, an untitled closing endorsement, and 27 amendments - closely resembles the structure and principles outlined in the Virginia Plan and the work of the various committees that refined and shaped the document over the course of the convention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17th September 1787 |
| Authors | Committee of Style and Arrangement including Alexander Hamilton, William Samuel Johnson, Rufus King |
| Preamble | "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." |
| Articles | 7 |
| Amendments | 27 |
| Congress | Consists of a Senate and House of Representatives |
| House of Representatives | Composed of Members chosen every second year by the People of the several States |
| Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature | |
| No Person shall be a Representative under 25 years old, and must have been a Citizen of the United States for 7 years | |
| Judicial Power | Extends to all Cases in Law and Equity, arising under the Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made |
| Ratification | Ratified by 9 states, including New Hampshire, South Carolina, Virginia and New York |
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What You'll Learn
The Virginia Plan
The plan consisted of 15 resolutions that outlined basic principles of government. It advocated for a strong central government, with three branches, and a bicameral legislature. The first branch of the legislature, or the House of Representatives, would be elected by the people and subject to rotation in office and recall elections. This branch would then select the members of the second branch, or the Senate, from candidates nominated by state legislatures. The national legislature would hold all legislative power, as well as additional powers beyond those of the Confederation Congress.
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The Great Compromise
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was marked by a heated debate between delegates from large states and small states over representation in Congress. The Virginia Plan, drafted by James Madison and introduced by Edmund Randolph, proposed a bicameral legislature with representation in both houses proportional to the size of each state. Large states supported this plan as they contributed more financially and defensively to the nation and believed they deserved greater representation in the central government. However, delegates from small states objected to this idea, threatening to unravel the proceedings.
To resolve the impasse, a "Grand Committee", consisting of one delegate from each state, was formed to reach a compromise. On July 5, 1787, the committee, chaired by Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, submitted its report, which became the basis for the Great Compromise. The report proposed that each state should have an equal vote in the upper house (Senate) and representation in the lower house (House of Representatives) proportional to their population, including three-fifths of their enslaved population. Additionally, it was recommended that revenue and spending bills would originate in the lower house.
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The Preamble
The United States Constitution is a document that outlines the framework of the US government and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. The Preamble to the Constitution is an introductory paragraph that sets the tone and outlines the intentions of the document. It is not a law itself but lays the foundation for the laws that follow.
The creation of the US Constitution was influenced by various factors, including European Enlightenment thinkers such as Montesquieu and John Locke. However, the Founding Fathers, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, believed that the unique circumstances and egalitarian character of the American people required a different form of government than those in Europe. As a result, the US Constitution, with its emphasis on individual rights and separation of powers, broke away from the monarchical systems prevalent on the continent.
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The Albany Plan of Union
The plan called for a general government to be led by a President-General, appointed and supported by the Crown. A Grand Council, consisting of delegates nominated by the lower houses of the colonial assemblies, would support the President-General. The number of delegates from each colony would be roughly proportional to its size, ranging from a minimum of two to a maximum of seven. However, each colony would have only one vote, and decision-making was based on unanimous consensus. The proposed powers of this unified government included treaty-making, raising military forces, and taxation.
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The First Congress Oath
The United States Constitution is a fundamental document that outlines the framework and powers of the government, with its roots tracing back to the country's founding. The First Congress Oath, adopted in 1789, holds significant importance as the first sworn pledge to uphold this constitution.
The creation of the First Congress Oath was a collaborative effort by the founding fathers, who debated the need for an oath in a free country. They also grappled with the question of whether federal officials should swear allegiance solely to the federal Constitution or include a pledge to uphold state constitutions as well. Ultimately, they decided on an oath that affirmed support for the Constitution without including a religious test, as specified in Article VI, Clause 3 of the Constitution.
The wording of the First Congress Oath is worth noting: "I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States." The inclusion of "or affirm" was intentional, allowing individuals to choose between swearing an oath or making an affirmation, accommodating different personal beliefs. This choice reflected the founders' desire to respect religious diversity while still emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution.
The adoption of the First Congress Oath marked a significant step in establishing the role and responsibilities of government officials. It set a precedent for future oaths of office and affirmed the importance of upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land. This oath has undergone revisions over time, particularly during the Civil War, to address shifting loyalties and ensure loyalty to the Union. However, the fundamental principle of supporting the Constitution remains at the heart of oaths taken by government officials in the United States to this day.
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Frequently asked questions
The Virginia Plan was drafted by James Madison and introduced to the Convention by Edmund Randolph on May 29, 1787. It proposed the creation of a bicameral national legislature, or a legislature consisting of two houses, in which the “rights of suffrage” in both houses would be proportional to the size of the state.
The New Jersey Plan proposed amendments to the Articles of Confederation that kept the basic structure of the Articles while strengthening the powers of Congress. It was supported by delegates from small states and those who insisted that the central government retain many federal features of the Articles of Confederation.
The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the "Great Compromise", was a unique plan for congressional representation that established equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives.
The Albany Plan of Union was Benjamin Franklin's plan to create a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies. It was rejected.
The US Constitution was drafted by the Committee of Detail, which included John Rutledge, Edmund Randolph, Nathaniel Gorham, Oliver Ellsworth, and James Wilson. It was based on the resolutions passed by the convention up to that point, including elements of the Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut plans.
