Proposed New Constitution

Definition

The Proposed New Constitution refers to the document drafted during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that aimed to replace the Articles of Confederation with a stronger federal government. This new framework included provisions for a separation of powers, checks and balances, and a bicameral legislature, addressing the weaknesses and limitations of the existing Articles that had failed to provide an effective national government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Proposed New Constitution established three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.
2. The Great Compromise led to the creation of a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, balancing representation between populous and smaller states.
3. Delegates at the Constitutional Convention debated key issues such as representation, slavery, and the powers of the federal government, leading to significant compromises.
4. The ratification process required approval from nine out of thirteen states, resulting in intense debates between Federalists who supported the Constitution and Anti-Federalists who opposed it.
5. The Proposed New Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, but it wasn't until June 21, 1788, that enough states ratified it for it to take effect.

Review Questions

• How did the Proposed New Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The Proposed New Constitution directly tackled the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger central government with distinct executive, legislative, and judicial branches. It established checks and balances to prevent any single branch from becoming too powerful and introduced a bicameral legislature to ensure fair representation for both populous and smaller states. This structure aimed to provide a more effective governance system that could enforce laws, levy taxes, and regulate commerce.
• Evaluate the impact of compromise during the drafting of the Proposed New Constitution on its acceptance among different states.
  • Compromise played a crucial role in shaping the Proposed New Constitution, particularly through agreements like the Great Compromise which balanced representation between large and small states. The Three-Fifths Compromise addressed contentious issues surrounding slavery by counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes. These compromises were vital for garnering support from diverse state interests and ultimately facilitated broader acceptance during the ratification process.
• Assess how the inclusion of the Bill of Rights influenced the ratification debate surrounding the Proposed New Constitution.
  • The inclusion of the Bill of Rights significantly influenced the ratification debate by addressing the concerns raised by Anti-Federalists about potential government overreach and individual liberties. This set of amendments guaranteed fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. The promise to add these rights helped secure necessary support for ratification from skeptical states, illustrating how crucial negotiations were in shaping early American governance while simultaneously reflecting deep societal values regarding personal freedoms.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781, which established a weak central government and was ultimately deemed ineffective in managing national issues.

Federalism:

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and individual states, allowing for a balance of power and local governance.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties and rights, added to appease Anti-Federalists who feared an overly powerful federal government.