Explain two of the conflicts that arose during the writing of the Constitution. In detail explain the strengths and weaknesses of each side of these conflicts and also explain how they came to a compromise and what that compromise entailed.

Answer 1

One of the conflicts that arose during the writing of the Constitution was the issue of representation in Congress, particularly between large and small states. The large states believed that representation should be based on population, as this would give them more power and influence in the government. On the other hand, the small states argued for equal representation, where each state, regardless of population size, would have the same number of representatives.

Strengths of the large states' argument included the fact that they had larger populations and therefore should have more representation in order to accurately reflect the will of the people. Additionally, they argued that the larger states would contribute more to the country's resources and economy, so they should have a greater say in the decision-making process. However, one weakness of their argument was that it would potentially marginalize the smaller states and their interests, which could lead to resentment and further division in the young nation.

In contrast, the small states' argument had strengths in that it emphasized the need for equality and fairness among the states. They argued that if representation was based solely on population, the larger states could dominate and potentially oppress the smaller ones. They also highlighted the fact that each state, regardless of size, had a unique perspective and should therefore have an equal voice in the government. However, their weakness was that their argument ignored the fact that larger states would contribute more to the country's welfare and thus should have a proportionate share of representation.

To reach a compromise, the framers of the Constitution created the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise. It combined elements of both arguments by establishing a bicameral legislature. The lower house, the House of Representatives, would be based on population, satisfying the large states' demands for representation based on population. The upper house, the Senate, would have equal representation for all states, addressing the concerns of the small states for equality. This compromise struck a balance between the two sides, ensuring that both large and small states had a say in the legislative process.

Another conflict that arose during the writing of the Constitution was the issue of slavery. Some states, particularly in the South, relied heavily on enslaved labor and wanted to ensure that slavery would be protected and continued in the new government. However, other states, especially in the North, opposed the institution of slavery on moral grounds and wanted it to be gradually abolished.

The strengths of the pro-slavery argument laid in the economic importance of slavery to the Southern states. They argued that their agricultural economy heavily relied on enslaved labor and that without it, their livelihoods would be severely affected. Additionally, they claimed that slavery was a state's rights issue, and the federal government should not interfere with their ability to govern themselves. On the other hand, the anti-slavery argument was rooted in principles of human rights and equality. They argued that slavery was immoral and violated the ideals upon which the nation was founded, such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

To resolve this conflict, the framers of the Constitution implemented a series of compromises. Firstly, they allowed the continuation of the international slave trade for another twenty years, after which Congress would have the power to abolish it. They also instituted the Three-Fifths Compromise, where enslaved persons would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of determining a state's population and, consequently, its representation in Congress. This compromise gave the Southern states more influence in the government due to their large enslaved populations. While these compromises aimed to maintain the delicate balance between the pro- and anti-slavery factions during the time of the Constitution's drafting, they ultimately postponed the resolution of the slavery issue, leading to increasing tensions that would culminate in the American Civil War many years later.