The Constitutional Convention and the U.S. Constitution

Question

In 1787, delegates from 12 states met in Philadelphia to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. While the original goal was to revise the Articles, the delegates quickly decided to draft a new constitution. The result was a document that established a stronger federal government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.
The Constitution granted Congress the power to tax, regulate interstate and international trade, and enforce laws—powers that were absent under the Articles. A bicameral legislature was created, with the Senate providing equal representation for states and the House of Representatives offering proportional representation based on population. The inclusion of an executive branch headed by the president and a national judiciary addressed the lack of leadership and dispute resolution mechanisms under the Articles.
Debates over the Constitution's ratification centered on fears that it gave too much power to the national government. To address these concerns, the Bill of Rights was added, ensuring protections for individual liberties and limiting the federal government's reach. The Constitution was ultimately ratified in 1788 and became the supreme law of the land.
Questions:
What changes did the Constitution make to the structure of the national government?
How did the Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
What compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention, and why were they significant?

Answer 1

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 led to significant changes in the structure and function of the national government. Here are detailed responses to your questions:

What changes did the Constitution make to the structure of the national government?

1. Creation of Three Branches: The Constitution established a tripartite government consisting of three separate branches:

   • Legislative (Congress): Composed of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, responsible for making laws.
   • Executive (President): Enforced laws and conducted the affairs of the nation, including foreign policy and defense.
   • Judicial (Supreme Court and lower courts): Interpreted laws and resolved legal disputes, ensuring justice and the rule of law.

2. Bicameral Legislature: The Constitution created a bicameral legislative branch.

   • Senate: Each state has equal representation with two senators, regardless of population.
   • House of Representatives: Representation is based on population, allowing states with larger populations more representation.

3. Power Allocation: The Constitution granted the federal government specific powers that directly addressed the deficiencies of the Articles of Confederation:

   • The power to tax, which was lacking under the Articles.
   • The ability to regulate interstate and international commerce.
   • The authority to maintain a standing army and navy.

4. Checks and Balances: The Constitution incorporated a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Each branch has oversight and control mechanisms over the other branches.

How did the Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

1. Financial Authority: The Articles of Confederation did not grant the federal government the authority to levy taxes. The Constitution rectified this by granting Congress the power to tax, allowing the government to fund its operations and obligations effectively.

2. Regulation of Commerce: The Articles failed to give the federal government the ability to regulate interstate and foreign trade, leading to economic disarray. The Constitution empowered Congress to regulate commerce, helping to create a unified economic system.

3. Centralized Leadership: Under the Articles, there was no executive branch, resulting in a lack of coordinated leadership. The Constitution established the presidency, creating a single, strong executive leader responsible for enforcing laws and conducting foreign affairs.

4. Judicial System: The Articles provided no national judiciary to resolve disputes and enforce laws. The Constitution created a judicial branch with the Supreme Court and lower courts, providing a mechanism for interpreting the law and resolving conflicts.

What compromises were made during the Constitutional Convention, and why were they significant?

1. The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise): This compromise resolved the disagreement between small and large states regarding representation in Congress. It established a bicameral legislature, with the Senate offering equal representation (two senators per state) and the House of Representatives providing representation based on population. This compromise was significant as it balanced the interests of both large and small states, enabling broader support for the Constitution.

2. Three-Fifths Compromise: This agreement determined how enslaved individuals would be counted for purposes of taxation and representation. It allowed states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population when apportioning representatives in the House. This compromise was significant because it reflected the contentious issue of slavery, impacting representation in Congress and shaping political power dynamics in the early United States.

3. Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise: This compromise addressed the contentious issue of the federal government’s power to regulate the slave trade and commerce. While it allowed Congress to regulate interstate and international trade, it prohibited any laws banning the importation of slaves for 20 years after the ratification of the Constitution. This compromise was significant as it balanced the interests of southern states that relied on slavery for their economy with those who opposed the trade.

These compromises were essential in achieving consensus among the diverse interests of the states, ensuring the Constitution's ratification, and establishing a framework for a functioning federal government.