Key Compromises of the Constitutional Convention

The video explores the U.S. Constitution's creation, focusing on the Constitutional Convention of 1787. It highlights three key compromises: state representation, presidential election, and slavery. The Virginia and New Jersey Plans led to the Connecticut Compromise, balancing power between big and small states. The Electoral College emerged as a compromise for presidential elections. The Three-Fifths Compromise addressed slavery representation. The video concludes with Benjamin Franklin's reflections on the Constitution's imperfections and the importance of maintaining the republic.

What are the opening words of the U.S. Constitution?

• Provide for the common defense

• In order to form a more perfect union

• Establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility

• We the People of the United States

What was the main concern of the small states regarding the Virginia Plan?

• It would lead to unequal representation in Congress

• It would give too much power to the President

• It would lead to higher taxes

• It would abolish state governments

Which plan proposed a one-house legislature with equal representation for each state?

• Virginia Plan

• Connecticut Compromise

• New Jersey Plan

• Madison Plan

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

• A plan for a two-house legislature with representation based on population and equality

• A plan to abolish slavery

• A plan to elect the President by popular vote

• A plan for a single-house legislature

Who proposed the idea of electing the President by popular vote?

• George Mason

• James Wilson

• Alexander Hamilton

• James Madison

What was a major concern about electing the President by Congress?

• It would be difficult to organize

• It would be too expensive

• It would result in a President controlled by Congress

• It would lead to a weak executive

What was the purpose of the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• To exclude enslaved people from representation

• To abolish slavery

• To count enslaved people as full persons for representation

• To count enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation

Which states were particularly insistent on the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• Massachusetts and Connecticut

• Virginia and Pennsylvania

• Georgia and South Carolina

• New York and New Jersey

What did Benjamin Franklin say about the Constitution in his final thoughts?

• It should be rewritten

• It was a temporary solution

• It had several parts he did not approve of

• It was perfect in every way

Why did some delegates refuse to sign the new Constitution?

• It was too lengthy

• It abolished state governments

• It gave too much power to the President

• It did not contain a Bill of Rights