Before the Constitution was ratified, Americans had varied experiences with political compromise, often shaped by the political climate and the challenges faced during the Articles of Confederation period. Here’s a breakdown of the statements you provided:
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Delegates to the Constitutional Convention agreed to many compromises to create the Constitution: This statement is accurate. The Constitutional Convention of 1787 featured significant compromises, such as the Great Compromise (which established a bicameral legislature) and the Three-Fifths Compromise (which addressed how slaves would be counted for representation). These compromises were essential for reconciling the interests of large and small states as well as those of Northern and Southern states.
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Americans had never experienced political compromise because they were focused on majority rule: This statement is misleading. While there was a strong sentiment for majority rule, there were instances of compromise in earlier governance, particularly under the Articles of Confederation, where states had to negotiate and compromise to pass legislation, albeit often ineffectively.
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Americans were in total agreement with one another as they drafted the new U.S. Constitution: This statement is false. The drafting of the Constitution was marked by division and disagreement among delegates over various issues, including representation, slavery, and the balance of power between state and federal governments. The need for compromise arose precisely because there were significant differences in opinion.
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Political compromise seemed impossible because of the factions in the U.S.: This statement is somewhat accurate. The period preceding the Constitution saw the emergence of various factions and interests, which created challenges for governance. However, the delegates at the Constitutional Convention ultimately found ways to address these divisions through compromise.
In summary, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention faced significant challenges and disagreements but were ultimately able to reach several critical compromises that resulted in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.