The Constitutional Convention | Period 3: 1754-1800 | AP US History | Khan Academy

Summary

The video script discusses the formation of the U.S. government system post-Revolutionary War. It highlights the initial Articles of Confederation, which favored a loose confederation of states with limited central power. The script details the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where delegates sought a balance between a strong central government and the risk of tyranny. The Great Compromise resulted in a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for all states.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The United States government system is composed of three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.
• 🗽 The Constitutional Convention of 1787 established the current U.S. government system.
• ⏳ There was an 11-year period between the Declaration of Independence and the creation of the modern U.S. Constitution.
• 🔄 The Articles of Confederation, in place before the Constitution, emphasized limited government and a loose confederation of states.
• 💡 The Articles of Confederation faced issues like difficulty in raising taxes and a weak central government.
• 🤝 The Constitutional Convention aimed to balance a strong central government capable of action without becoming tyrannical.
• 🗳️ The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population.
• 🔄 The New Jersey Plan countered with equal representation for all states, similar to the Articles of Confederation.
• 🤝 The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) combined elements of both plans, creating a bicameral legislature with proportional and equal state representation.
• 🗳️ The House of Representatives would have members elected based on population, while each state would have two senators in the Senate.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 1787 in the context of the United States government?

The year 1787 is significant because it marks the Constitutional Convention where the system of government we know today was created.

What was the main issue with the Articles of Confederation?

The Articles of Confederation had a very strong sense of limited government, which led to a weak central government that struggled to get things done, like raising taxes or a military.

Why did the United States initially adopt a system of limited government?

The United States initially adopted a system of limited government because they had just revolted against a monarchy and wanted to avoid creating a similar system.

What was the Virginia Plan and how did it propose to structure the legislature?

The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with a lower house where representation would be based on population and an upper house appointed by state legislatures.

What was the New Jersey Plan and how did it differ from the Virginia Plan?

The New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature where each state would have one vote, similar to the Articles of Confederation, giving equal representation to all states regardless of population.

Why were smaller states opposed to the Virginia Plan?

Smaller states were opposed to the Virginia Plan because it would give more power to larger states due to the population-based representation in the lower house.

What is the Great Compromise or Connecticut Compromise?

The Great Compromise was a solution that combined elements of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral legislature with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation for all states.

How did the Great Compromise address the concerns of both large and small states?

The Great Compromise addressed concerns by giving large states more representation in the House of Representatives and ensuring all states had equal representation in the Senate.

Who were some notable figures present at the Constitutional Convention?

Notable figures present at the Constitutional Convention included George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison.

Why did Rhode Island not participate in the Constitutional Convention?

Rhode Island did not participate in the Constitutional Convention because it was not a big fan of central government.

What was the main challenge faced by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

The main challenge faced by the delegates was to create a stronger central government without creating a tyranny, while balancing the interests of large and small states.