Inspiring Lessons from the Constitutional Convention of 1787

The Constitutional Convention of 1787

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a pivotal moment in American history, where delegates gathered in Philadelphia to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. One of the key debates during the convention was the issue of representation in Congress.

The two main plans proposed during the convention were the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan. The New Jersey Plan, put forward by William Paterson, called for equal state representation in Congress. On the other hand, the Virginia Plan, introduced by James Madison, advocated for state representation to be determined by population.

These two plans represented fundamental differences in how power should be distributed among the states. The debate between equal state representation versus representation based on population was a crucial aspect of the Constitutional Convention, highlighting the delicate balance of power between large and small states.

In the end, a compromise known as the Great Compromise was reached, which created a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for each state. This compromise laid the foundation for the structure of the United States Congress that we have today.

Overall, the lessons learned from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 highlight the importance of compromise, negotiation, and the willingness to work together for the greater good. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the founding fathers in creating a system of government that would endure for centuries to come.