Constiutional Convention
What Was It?
It was a convention held in Philadelphia in 1787 in order to alter the problems with the Articles of Confederation. Delegates from all 13 states except for Rhode Island attended. There were heavy differing opinions from small-populated states and large-populated states, and federalists and anti-federalists. A whole new document that provided for a totally revised government is what came out of this convention. The states then had to ratify it,
The Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan was made up of of fifteen resolutions that called for a total revision of the Articles of Confederation and plans for a strong National Government. This government could make and enforce laws and collect taxes. The Virginia Plan provided for a state and federal government system with a Separation of Powers consisting of legislative, executive, and judicial branches. A bicameral legislature (two houses) with a House of Representatives and a Senate is also provided for in the plan.
The New Jersey Plan
The New Jersey Plan was made up of eleven resolutions drafted by William Paterson. This plan was mostly supported by the smaller states at the convention. The New Jersey Plan provided for a legislature of only one house and called for equal representation in which each state had the same number of representatives. This plan wanted the smaller states to have the same level of power in the legislature as the large states. The New Jersey Plan, like the Virginia Plan, also called for Separation of Powers consisting of legislative, executive, and judicial branches
James Madison (seen above)
James Madison was a big supporter of the Virginia Plan. Madison had a very big role at the convention. Madison wanted a whole renovating of the AOC and wanted a strong federal government. He wrote the Federalist Papers to try and convince states to ratify the Constitution and support a federal government. Madison served as a member of Congress, Secretary of State, and President.
William Paterson (seen above)
William Paterson was a New Jersey delegate to the convention and was the man to introduce the New Jersey Plan. Paterson wanted to balance power between the larger and smaller states. Paterson then went on to become the Governor of New Jersey and then a Supreme Court Justice.
Problems at the Convention
A problem faced at the convention were the strong differing opinions. Small states were worried that the larger states would gain too much power. Some delegates were scared of creating too strong of a national government. Some delegates were sick of the weak national government and wanted something stronger. It seemed that two sides consisting of anti-federalists and federalists formed, making it hard to come to a decision on how to revise the government. Eventually a compromise was formed, creating the constitution we have today. Another problem that was faced was the fact that nobody except for the delegates knew about the convention. Some Americans saw this act as treason.
Works Cited
"Biography." Of President James Madison for Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2016.
Alchin, By Linda. "Virginia Plan." : History for Kids ***. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2016.
Alchin, By Linda. "New Jersey Plan." : History for Kids ***. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2016
"The Constitutional Convention | Teaching American History." Teaching American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2016.
Linder, Professor Douglas O. "The Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia." The Constitutional Convention of 1787 in Philadelphia. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2016.