Question

HISTORY:

Consider the Constitutional Convention of 1787. What challenges did the founding fathers face at the Constitutional Convention? What compromises were made? How was slavery addressed?

Answer 1

The constitution faced several issues in the face of representation, slavery, state vs federal powers, executive power and commerce.

Representation in terms of state power, to give power to small vs. Large states. Compromises were made in terms of 2 power houses , establishing the house of representatives based on population and senate based on equal representation.

State vs. Central power was the other point of contention. States feared that federal power might overrule them and take away their power. They compromised by allowing certain powers to the federal and the rest of them to state.

They were in fear of giving too much executive power. However they eventually agreed to elect a president as they trusted George Washington.

Commerce helped blur the line between states by allowing free flow of capital and currency between states.

In terms of addressing slavery. 3 fifth of the slaves were given congressional representation and southern states agreed to stop importing slaves from Africa from 1808.