What Was the Major Areas of Agreement and Disagreement at the Constitutional Convention of 1787
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 is an important event in American history. It marked the beginning of a new era for the United States as delegates from the thirteen states gathered to form a new constitution. The convention lasted for four months, during which time the delegates discussed and debated various issues related to governance […]
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 is an important event in American history. It marked the beginning of a new era for the United States as delegates from the thirteen states gathered to form a new constitution. The convention lasted for four months, during which time the delegates discussed and debated various issues related to governance and the structure of the new government. Here are some of the major areas of agreement and disagreement that emerged during the convention.
Areas of Agreement:
1. The need for a new constitution: While the delegates had different views on what the new constitution should look like, there was a general consensus that the Articles of Confederation, which had been the governing document of the United States since its inception, were inadequate and needed to be replaced.
2. The necessity of a strong central government: The delegates agreed that the new government needed to have more power than the previous one, which was characterized by a weak central government. They believed that a stronger central government would be better equipped to deal with issues such as national defense, trade, and foreign policy.
3. Separation of powers: The delegates agreed that power should be divided among three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This was seen as a way to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure a system of checks and balances.
4. Federalism: The delegates agreed that power should be shared between the federal government and the states. This was seen as a way to balance the power of the central government and the autonomy of the states.
5. Protection of individual rights: The delegates agreed that the new constitution should include a Bill of Rights to protect individual rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
Areas of Disagreement:
1. Representation: One of the most contentious issues at the convention was how to apportion representation in Congress. Some delegates favored proportional representation, while others favored equal representation. The compromise that was eventually reached was the Connecticut Compromise, which created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate based on equal representation.
2. Slavery: The issue of slavery was a divisive one at the convention. While some delegates were strongly opposed to slavery and believed it should be abolished, others were in favor of protecting the interests of slave-holding states. The compromise that was eventually reached was the Three-Fifths Compromise, which counted three-fifths of slaves as part of a state`s population for purposes of representation in Congress.
3. Executive power: There was disagreement among the delegates over the powers of the executive branch. Some believed that the president should have extensive powers, while others were concerned about the potential for abuses of power. The compromise that was eventually reached was to give the president certain powers, such as the power to veto legislation, but also to limit those powers in other ways, such as through the requirement that Congress approve treaties and appointments.
In conclusion, the Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a complex and lengthy process that involved many different issues and perspectives. Despite the disagreements that emerged, the delegates were able to reach compromises that laid the foundation for the new government. Their work helped to establish the United States as a strong and prosperous nation, and their ideas and principles continue to shape American government and society to this day.