Constitution Week Spotlight

Sept. 20

On day four of Constitution Week, we focus on Constitution Compromise.

When the delegates assembled in Philadelphia in May 1787, the states, united under the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, were rushing headlong toward civil war, both within and between states. Disaffected citizens felt their government no longer served them. States were eager to bolster their own trade and well-being, going so far as to mount their own armies and navies and harass their neighbors.

Two compromises within the Constitution saved the union from dissolution. One was the Great Compromise, which devised the two houses of the Legislative Branch. Large states were pleased with the House of Representatives: Their delegations reflected their importance. Smaller states embraced the Senate with its two members elected from each state, regardless of size. Thus, their importance, too, was recognized.

The second is what is termed the “Three-fifths Compromise.” Northern states, many of whose members thought slavery was abhorrent and should be outlawed, only wanted to count voters in the apportionment of representatives to Congress. Southern states, with their smaller voter populations, but larger populations overall when their slaves were included, wanted everyone counted. After much heated debate, and with the fate of the union hanging the balance, the delegates agreed to this compromise: For purposes of apportionment, each slave would count three-fifths toward overall state representation and taxation. The Twelfth and Thirteenth amendments would vacate this calculation.

Today’s quiz

Which two plans were merged in the Great Compromise?

a) Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan b) Hamilton Plan and the Pinckney Plan c) Federalist Plan and Anti-Federalist Plan d) Jefferson Plan and Madison Plan
Answer: a) Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan

Who was the primary architect of the Great Compromise?

a) Benjamin Franklin b) James Wilson c) Roger Sherman d) James Madison
Answer: c) Roger Sherman

This Constitution Week Spotlight was provided by the Lt. George Farragut Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Info: lgfdar.com