Framers
Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison
What was the main feature of the Virginia Plan?
A bicameral legislature with representation based on population.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
A compromise where three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.
What were some delegates' reactions to the Constitution?
Some delegates were supportive, while others were hesitant or opposed, fearing it gave too much power to the federal government.
List one source of inspiration for the Framers.
Enlightenment thinkers, British legal traditions, or specific documents like the Magna Carta.
Name one delegate from Virginia.
George Washington, Edmund Randolph, George Mason, or any other delegate from Virginia
Describe the New Jersey Plan in one sentence.
A plan that proposed equal representation for each state in a unicameral legislature.
How did the Commerce & Slave Trade Compromise protect Southern interests?
It prohibited Congress from taxing exports and from acting on the slave trade for 20 years.
Name one Anti-Federalist and their main argument.
Patrick Henry; he argued that the Constitution threatened individual liberties.
What document influenced the Framers’ ideas on government?
The Articles of Confederation or state constitutions.
What was James Madison's role in the convention?
He is known as the "Father of the Constitution" and played a key role in drafting and promoting it.
What was the Connecticut Compromise?
A compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans that created a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
What effect did the Connecticut Compromise have on smaller states?
It gave smaller states equal representation in the Senate, balancing power with larger states.
What was Patrick Henry's view on the Constitution?
He believed it was a dangerous plan that could enslave a free people.
How did Enlightenment thinkers impact the Constitution?
They emphasized the importance of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Identify one key compromise made by the delegates.
The Great Compromise or any specific compromise (e.g., Three-Fifths Compromise).
Compare the representation methods in both plans.
The Virginia Plan called for representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan called for equal representation.
Explain the significance of the Great Compromise.
It resolved disputes between large and small states about representation in Congress.
Describe the concerns of the Anti-Federalists.
They were concerned about the increased power of the central government and the lack of a Bill of Rights.
Who were some key figures in the Federalist movement?
Figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
What was George Washington's role during the convention?
He presided over the convention and helped maintain order.
What did the Virginia Plan aim to create?
To create a strong national government with the authority to govern effectively.
How did compromises shape the final Constitution?
They were essential in ensuring that different interests were balanced, allowing for the Constitution's ratification.
What did Benjamin Franklin express about the Constitution?
He acknowledged the Constitution's imperfections but believed it was the best option available.
Describe how the British Parliament influenced the Framers.
It provided a model of governance and legal structure that influenced the Framers’ approach.