ISSUERepresentation |
OPPOSING SIDESSmall States V. Large States
* Small states wanted all states to have the same number of representatives to Congress * Large states wanted representation to be determined by the population of the state. |
COMPROMISEThe Great Compromise:
The Constitution creates a bicameral legislature. In the House of Representatives, representation is determined by population. A census is taken every ten years to determine the population of each state. In the Senate, all states have the same number of representatives: two. |
How should slaves be counted? |
Southern States V. Northern States
* Southern States wanted slaves to count as part of the population for determining representation but not to count when apportioning taxes. * Northern states wanted slaves to count for the purpose of taxation but not for representation |
The 3/5ths Compromise:
Delegates agreed to count slaves as 3/5ths of a person when apportioning representation and taxation |
Who should run the country and how will that person(s) be elected? |
Some delegates believed the president should be elected directly by the people. Others believed that the people could not be trusted with such a decision. Opponents of direct election offered a number of alternatives including election by state legislatures.
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Compromise on Executive Elections:
The president is elected indirectly by the electoral college to a four year term of office. |