Founding Documents

Walter Isaacson and Professor Joe Ellis discuss the Constitution's compromises, focusing on the Great Compromise, which balanced state and population representation in Congress. They explore the challenges of proportional representation and the three-fifths compromise. Franklin's views on compromise and humility are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness in governance.

What was the main issue debated during the Constitutional Convention?

• The location of the capital

• Equal votes per state versus proportional representation

• The design of the national flag

• The official language of the United States

What was the outcome of the Connecticut Compromise?

• Proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate

• Equal representation in both the House and Senate

• Equal representation in the House and proportional representation in the Senate

• Proportional representation in both the House and Senate

How did the three-fifths compromise affect representation?

• It gave slaves the right to vote

• It allowed states to choose their own representation method

• It counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation

• It excluded slaves from the population count

What challenge did the large population pose for representation in the House?

• It made it difficult to find enough representatives

• It caused confusion over state boundaries

• It was hard for representatives to connect with so many constituents

• It led to unequal representation among states

What did Franklin emphasize in his speech at the end of the convention?

• The significance of technological advancement

• The importance of military strength

• The need for economic reform

• The value of compromise and humility

What virtue did Franklin add to his list after a friend's suggestion?

• Courage

• Honesty

• Humility

• Patience

Why did Franklin accept the Constitution despite its faults?

• He wanted to avoid conflict

• He recognized his own fallibility

• He thought it was the only option

• He believed it was perfect

What did Franklin hope members of the convention would do regarding their objections?

• Hold firm to their beliefs

• Seek advice from foreign leaders

• Doubt their own infallibility

• Ignore them completely

What does Franklin's letter highlight about personal certainty?

• It is always correct

• It should never be questioned

• It is irrelevant to decision-making

• It can sometimes be wrong

What is a key takeaway from Franklin's perspective on compromise?

• Compromise is only necessary in times of war

• Compromise is a sign of weakness

• Compromise is essential for democracy

• Compromise should be avoided at all costs