What caused states to demand a constitutional Convention and explain why?
What three issues caused the most conflict during the Constitutional Convention and why? How did the COnstitutional delegates solve these problems?
Please tell me how to answer the each question.
To answer the first question, "What caused states to demand a constitutional convention and why?", you can follow these steps:
1. Understand the historical context: The demand for a constitutional convention arose during the period following the American Revolutionary War, known as the Articles of Confederation era. This period witnessed numerous problems and challenges, prompting the need for a stronger central government.
2. Research the reasons for demanding a constitutional convention: The primary reasons for the demand included:
a. Weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation: The Articles created a weak central government that was unable to address key issues like taxation, trade regulation, and national defense.
b. Economic difficulties: States faced economic challenges such as trade disputes, debt problems, and inflation, leading to calls for a unified economic system.
c. Shays' Rebellion: This armed uprising in Massachusetts against high taxes and debts highlighted the weaknesses of the central government in providing security and stability, spurring the demand for a stronger federal authority.
3. Organize and present your answer: Begin your answer by explaining the historical context, including the issues faced during the Articles of Confederation era. Then, discuss the specific reasons that caused the states to demand a constitutional convention, using supporting evidence and examples.
To answer the second question, "What three issues caused the most conflict during the Constitutional Convention and how were they solved?", follow these steps:
1. Understand the purpose of the Constitutional Convention: The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was held to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a new framework for the United States government.
2. Research the three issues that caused the most conflict during the convention: The main contentious issues were:
a. Representation and the Great Compromise: The conflict arose over the structure of the legislative branch, with small states advocating for equal representation and large states pushing for proportional representation.
b. Slavery and the Three-Fifths Compromise: The issue of slavery and how enslaved individuals would be counted for purposes of representation and taxation caused considerable disagreement.
c. Executive power and the compromise on the presidency: The delegates debated the powers and selection process for the executive branch, including concerns about the potential for a tyrannical leader.
3. Analyze how the delegates solved these problems: The delegates tackled these conflicts through negotiation and compromise:
a. The Great Compromise combined elements of the Virginia Plan (proportional representation) and the New Jersey Plan (equal representation) to create a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives and a Senate.
b. The Three-Fifths Compromise stated that enslaved individuals would count as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes, ensuring Southern support for the new Constitution.
c. The delegates established a checks-and-balances system to address concerns about executive power, creating a compromise in which the president would be elected indirectly through an Electoral College.
When answering the question, explain each conflict separately, discuss the different proposals and viewpoints, and then analyze how the delegates reached a consensus through negotiation and compromise.