Explain two of the conflicts that arose during the writing of the Constitution. In detail explain the strengths and weaknesses of each side of these conflicts and also explain how they came to a compromise and what that compromise entailed.
One of the conflicts that arose during the writing of the Constitution was the issue of representation in Congress, particularly between large and small states. The large states believed that representation should be based on population, as this would give them more power and influence in the government. On the other hand, the small states argued for equal representation, where each state, regardless of population size, would have the same number of representatives.
Strengths of the large states' argument included the fact that they had larger populations and therefore should have more representation in order to accurately reflect the will of the people. Additionally, they argued that the larger states would contribute more to the country's resources and economy, so they should have a greater say in the decision-making process. However, one weakness of their argument was that it would potentially marginalize the smaller states and their interests, which could lead to resentment and further division in the young nation.
In contrast, the small states' argument had strengths in that it emphasized the need for equality and fairness among the states. They argued that if representation was based solely on population, the larger states could dominate and potentially oppress the smaller ones. They also highlighted the fact that each state, regardless of size, had a unique perspective and should therefore have an equal voice in the government. However, their weakness was that their argument ignored the fact that larger states would contribute more to the country's welfare and thus should have a proportionate share of representation.
To reach a compromise, the framers of the Constitution created the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise. It combined elements of both arguments by establishing a bicameral legislature. The lower house, the House of Representatives, would be based on population, satisfying the large states' demands for representation based on population. The upper house, the Senate, would have equal representation for all states, addressing the concerns of the small states for equality. This compromise struck a balance between the two sides, ensuring that both large and small states had a say in the legislative process.
Another conflict that arose during the writing of the Constitution was the issue of slavery. Some states, particularly in the South, relied heavily on enslaved labor and wanted to ensure that slavery would be protected and continued in the new government. However, other states, especially in the North, opposed the institution of slavery on moral grounds and wanted it to be gradually abolished.
The strengths of the pro-slavery argument laid in the economic importance of slavery to the Southern states. They argued that their agricultural economy heavily relied on enslaved labor and that without it, their livelihoods would be severely affected. Additionally, they claimed that slavery was a state's rights issue, and the federal government should not interfere with their ability to govern themselves. On the other hand, the anti-slavery argument was rooted in principles of human rights and equality. They argued that slavery was immoral and violated the ideals upon which the nation was founded, such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
To resolve this conflict, the framers of the Constitution implemented a series of compromises. Firstly, they allowed the continuation of the international slave trade for another twenty years, after which Congress would have the power to abolish it. They also instituted the Three-Fifths Compromise, where enslaved persons would be counted as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of determining a state's population and, consequently, its representation in Congress. This compromise gave the Southern states more influence in the government due to their large enslaved populations. While these compromises aimed to maintain the delicate balance between the pro- and anti-slavery factions during the time of the Constitution's drafting, they ultimately postponed the resolution of the slavery issue, leading to increasing tensions that would culminate in the American Civil War many years later.
During the writing of the United States Constitution, several conflicts arose among the delegates. Two notable conflicts were the representation of large states versus small states and the issue of slavery. Let's examine each conflict, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each side, and the compromises reached.
1. Representation of Large States versus Small States:
The conflict arose over how representation in the newly formed legislature should be allocated. Large states argued for representation based on population, while small states called for equal representation for all states.
Strengths of Large States' position:
- Large states had more population and, therefore, argued that they should have a stronger political voice.
- They believed that basing representation on population would reflect the will of the people.
Weaknesses of Large States' position:
- Small states worried that they would be dominated by large states and their interests might be ignored.
- Equal representation would give small states the ability to have an equal say in decision-making.
Strengths of Small States' position:
- Equal representation would ensure that small states had a voice in the legislative process.
- They argued that all states, regardless of size, deserved equal representation for the union to function effectively.
Weaknesses of Small States' position:
- It could lead to an imbalance of power, with small states having disproportionate influence.
- Basing representation on state sovereignty rather than population might not accurately reflect the will of the people.
Compromise: The Connecticut Compromise, also known as the Great Compromise, addressed this conflict. It proposed a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives, where seats were allocated based on population, satisfying the large states, and the Senate, where each state had equal representation, appeasing the small states.
2. Issue of Slavery:
The conflict over slavery centered on whether and how enslaved individuals should be counted for purposes of representation and taxation.
Strengths of Pro-Slavery position:
- Southern states argued for counting slaves as part of the population to increase their representation and political power.
- Slave labor was the backbone of the Southern economy, and they used this argument to protect their economic interests.
Weaknesses of Pro-Slavery position:
- Slavery was fundamentally seen as a violation of human rights and conflicted with the ideals of the newly formed nation.
- Counting slaves for representation purposes without granting them citizenship or rights was considered unfair.
Strengths of Anti-Slavery position:
- Opponents of slavery argued that enslaved individuals should not be counted for representation or taxation, as they had no rights or participation in the political process.
- They also believed it would be hypocritical to count slaves as part of the population while denying them basic freedoms.
Weaknesses of Anti-Slavery position:
- Southern states threatened to leave the union if their demands were not met, which could have resulted in a weaker nation.
- Some Northern states, while opposing slavery, feared that pushing the issue too far might lead to the collapse of the constitutional convention.
Compromise: The Three-Fifths Compromise was reached to address the issue of slavery. It stated that enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for both representation and taxation purposes. This compromise satisfied the concerns of Southern states, as it increased their political power, while also acknowledging the flaw of slavery.
In both conflicts, the compromises allowed the delegates to reconcile the competing interests and move forward with the creation of the Constitution. These compromises established a delicate balance between the interests of large and small states, as well as between those who supported and opposed slavery.