Constitution- A Bundle Of Compromises? Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Constitution- A Bundle Of Compromises? Deck (18)
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1
Q

What did historian Charles beard believe about the attendees of the Philadelphia convention (May 1787)

A

Motivation for a stronger central gov was economic as they had invetments in certificates of public credit

However their capital was mostly invested in land not public securities so motivation probably ideology

2
Q

The Philadelphia convention: what principles where agreed upon?

A

Necessity to strengthen the central gov

People have a voice but gov in hands of men with experience and standing

Not one branch of gov (executive, legislative or judiciary) should be allowed to monopolise power

3
Q

The philadelphia convention: what principles where disagreed on?

A

How powerful federal gov should be

Representation:
Irrespective of size or based on population (which would give Virginia 12X as many representatives as Delaware!)

4
Q

The federalist papers

A

85 essays that argued in favour of the constitution by Hamilton madison and jay

5
Q

James madison

A

Virginian delegate spoke 161 times and set the agenda

Draft constitution largely his work

6
Q

Goucerneur morris

A

Final constitution (committee of style) largely his work

7
Q

Benjamin frank

A

Gave the convention prestige

Supported ratification

8
Q

Samuel Adams

A

As with Thomas Jeff didn’t want stronger gov

Patrick Henry also opposed

9
Q

Timeline order of steps to constitution

A

May 1787 the Virginia plan

June the New Jersey plan

June New Jersey plan rejected and issue of representation unresolved

July the great compromise APPROVED

North vs South- slavery representation and taxation

Committee of detail- issue of slavery rose again

August- agreed that congress would not have the ability to abolish slave trade until 1808

September- commuter or style tidy draft

September 17th- approval 39/42 delegates

10
Q

Why was the Virginia plan opposed by smaller states

A

Representatives would easily by outvoted by larger states

11
Q

What was the great compromise

A

All states have equal representation in upper house but lower house is proportional rep

Tax is distributed according to regular consensus

12
Q

What was a slave counted for in representation and direct tax

A

3:5 of a person

13
Q

What are the powers of the federal gov

A

Maintain and army and navy

Make treaties with foreign powers

Borrow money

Levy taxes

Regulate commerce

14
Q

What are the powers of the state governments

A

Forbidden from waging war and coining money

Can deal with issue of slavery

Regulate own internal commerce

Excercise jurisdiction in civil and criminal law

15
Q

Criticism of the constitution- conservative backlash

A

Electoral college stands between the people and president

Senators not directly elected

16
Q

Praise of the constitution: checks and balances

A

National gov divided into a system of checks and valences so no tyranny

17
Q

Praise of the constitution: bill of rights

A

Added in 1791 to protect individual rights

18
Q

Praise of the constitution: time

A

Stood the test of time