Constitutional Convention

Front

Where and when did the Constitutional Convention take place?

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Philadelphia 1787

Front

What best describes James Madison's Virginia Plan? It became the foundation for a new plan of government.

Back

A plan for a strong national government with three branches - legislative, executive and judicial.

Front

The Great Compromise settled a key argument at the Constitutional Convention. About what issue were delegates from large & small states arguing?

Back

State representation in the Legislative Branch (Congress).

Front

At the Convention, what settled arguments between Northern & Southern delegates about counting slaves for representation in the House of Representatives?

Back

the Three-Fifths Compromise

Front

Which branch of government is described in Article II of the Constitution? Led by the President, this branch includes 15 departments. It enforces federal laws, conducts foreign policy & controls the military.

Back

Executive Branch

Front

Which branch of government is described in Article I of the Constitution? It's made up of the Senate & the House of Representatives. This branch makes America's laws, confirms Presidential appointments & holds the power of impeachment.

Back

Legislative Branch

Front

Which branch of government is described in Article III of the Constitution? Led by the Supreme Court, this branch evaluates America's laws & has the power to declare laws to be unconstitutional.

Back

Judicial Branch

Front

Who was the primary author of the Virginia Plan? He studied successful governments from the history of the world to carefully develop a foundation for an American plan of government.

Back

James Madison, Madison

Front

How did the Great Compromise settle arguments about the Legislative Branch at the Constitutional Convention?

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A Senate with equal representation & a House of Representatives with proportional representation.

Front

What is the name for this important concept in our Constitution?

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checks and balances