Drafting in 1787

Definition

Drafting in 1787 refers to the process of creating the United States Constitution during the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia. This event was a response to the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation and aimed to create a stronger federal government while balancing the interests of various states and populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The drafting process involved 55 delegates from 12 states (Rhode Island did not participate), who brought diverse perspectives on governance and representation.
2. The Convention resulted in a compromise between larger states and smaller states, leading to the creation of a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
3. The debates during the drafting included significant discussions about slavery, which led to compromises like the Three-Fifths Compromise, impacting representation and taxation.
4. The final draft was presented on September 17, 1787, and required ratification by nine states to become effective, leading to intense public debate over its adoption.
5. The Federalist Papers were written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote ratification and explain the principles behind the new Constitution.

Review Questions

• How did the discussions at the Constitutional Convention reflect the differing interests of various states in 1787?
  • The discussions at the Constitutional Convention highlighted significant differences between larger states, which wanted representation based on population, and smaller states, which sought equal representation regardless of size. This led to key compromises, such as the Great Compromise, creating a bicameral legislature. The delegates also debated issues like slavery and state sovereignty, which further revealed regional interests and concerns that needed to be addressed in the new framework of government.
• Evaluate how federalism shaped the outcomes of the drafting process during the Constitutional Convention.
  • Federalism played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the drafting process as it necessitated a balance between state powers and federal authority. The delegates recognized that a strong central government was needed to maintain order and unity but also wanted to preserve states' rights. This tension influenced many aspects of the Constitution, including the establishment of enumerated powers for Congress and reserved powers for states, reflecting a compromise aimed at addressing concerns from both sides.
• Assess how the compromises made during the drafting of the Constitution in 1787 have had lasting impacts on American political development.
  • The compromises made during the drafting of the Constitution have profoundly influenced American political development by establishing a framework that balances power between federal and state governments while accommodating diverse interests. Key agreements like the Great Compromise and Three-Fifths Compromise shaped legislative representation, while federalism laid a foundation for ongoing debates about state versus federal authority. These foundational decisions set precedents for future governance challenges and continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about civil rights, representation, and governmental powers.

Related terms

Constitutional Convention:

A gathering held in Philadelphia from May to September 1787 where delegates debated and ultimately created the U.S. Constitution.

Federalism:

A political system that divides power between a central government and regional governments, which was a key theme in the drafting of the Constitution.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, proposed to ensure the protection of individual liberties and address concerns from Anti-Federalists.