Key Debates of the Constitutional Convention

The video discusses the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, focusing on two major debates: representation in Congress and the issue of slavery. The Virginia Plan favored large states with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan favored equal representation for smaller states. The Great Compromise led to a bicameral legislature. On slavery, compromises included delaying the abolition of the slave trade and the 3/5 Compromise, which counted slaves as part of the population for representation but not for voting rights.

What was the main goal of the Philadelphia Convention in 1787?

• To write a constitution that would strengthen the national government

• To elect a new president

• To abolish slavery

• To declare independence from Britain

Which plan proposed a legislative branch with two chambers based on state population?

• New Jersey Plan

• Great Compromise

• Connecticut Plan

• Virginia Plan

What was the main concern of smaller states regarding the Virginia Plan?

• They would have less power in the new government

• They would have to pay more taxes

• They would lose their independence

• They would have to abolish slavery

What did the Great Compromise establish?

• A single legislative chamber

• Equal representation in both houses of Congress

• A new system of taxation

• Two houses in Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives

Why did many northern delegates oppose slavery at the Constitutional Convention?

• They believed it was morally wrong

• They wanted to increase their own power

• They were concerned about economic competition

• They wanted to reduce taxes

What was the Fugitive Slave Clause?

• A law that allowed slaves to vote

• A law that granted freedom to all slaves

• A law that required escaped slaves to be returned to their owners

• A law that abolished the slave trade

When was the slave trade agreed to be abolished according to the compromise?

• In 1808

• In 1787

• Immediately

• In 1865

What did the Three-Fifths Compromise determine?

• Three out of every five slaves would be counted for representation and taxation

• Three out of every five slaves could vote

• Slaves would be considered full citizens

• Slaves would be freed after five years

What was one negative consequence for the South due to the Three-Fifths Compromise?

• They lost representation in Congress

• They had to pay more direct taxes

• They had to grant slaves the right to vote

• They had to abolish slavery

Why does the word 'slave' not appear in the Constitution?

• It was a mistake

• The framers wanted to avoid the issue

• It was considered offensive

• They planned to abolish slavery soon