1) The balance of power between the federal government and the states: One of the key issues in the constitutional debate was determining the extent of power that the newly formed federal government would have versus the individual states. Some delegates favored a strong central government, while others wanted to protect states' rights.
2) Representation and suffrage: There were debates about how representation would be allocated among the states, with small states arguing for equal representation and larger states pushing for representation based on population. Additionally, the issue of suffrage and who would be allowed to vote, including women and slaves, was a contentious topic.
3) Slavery: The issue of slavery was a major point of contention during the constitutional debate. Some delegates from southern states wanted to ensure protections for slavery, while others from northern states wanted to limit or eliminate its influence.
4) Individual rights: Many delegates were concerned about protecting the rights of individuals in the new government. This led to debates about the need for a Bill of Rights to ensure and guarantee certain civil liberties.
5) Economic issues: There were disagreements about the economic powers of the federal government, such as the ability to tax and regulate interstate commerce. Economic considerations played a significant role in shaping the constitutional debate.
6) The structure and function of the government: The debate included discussions on the separation of powers, the structure of the executive branch, the role of the judiciary, and other aspects of the government's functioning. These issues revolved around concerns of balancing power and ensuring effective governance.
Identify key issues in the constitutional debate
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