Compromises in the US Constitution

 

REPRESENTATION:

 

     Two plans:

           Virginia Plan: representation based on

                population size

           New Jersey Plan: all states have equal

                representation

 

     The Great Compromise: (or Connecticut

           compromise):

           a two house legislature:

                Senate: equal representation

                House of Representatives: based

                     on population

 

SLAVERY:

     Southern states:

     slaves should count for representation

     slaves should not count for taxes

 

     Northern states:

     slaves should NOT count  representation

     slaves should count for taxes

 

     Three-Fifths Compromise: every 5 slaves

           would count as three people for BOTH

           purposes

 

     also: Congress was forbidden from interfering with slave importation for 20 yrs.

 

TARIFFS:

 

     Southern states: opposed to giving US

           government power to levy tariffs (on

           exports especially)

 

     Northern states: wanted government to

           control foreign commerce and levy

           tariffs (especially on imports)

 

PRESIDENCY:

     debates concerned term of office, how he

           would be elected

     four year term

     created the Electoral College system for

           indirect election of the president (or

           House of Representatives  if tied)