Constitutional Compromises
US History & Government
Great Compromise
Issue: Should the states have equal representation
in congress or representation based on
population
Virginia
Representation based on
population
New Jersey
Equal Representation
Compromise: A bicameral legislature:
• Senate with equal representation
• House of Representatives with
representation based on population
Three-Fifths Compromise
Issue: Should slaves be counted
for taxation or
representation? (in the
House of
Representatives)
North States
Southern States
Slaves should be Slaves should be
counted for
counted as part
taxation
of the
population for
representation
Compromise: 3 of 5 slaves would be counted for
representation and taxation
Slave Trade Compromise
Issue: Should slaves continue
to be imported from
Africa?
North States
Southern States
No!
Yes!
Compromise: Slaves could continue to be
imported for 20 years (until 1808)
Organization of the Constitution
Preamble
We the people of the United States, in order to
form a more perfect union, establish justice,
insure domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general welfare,
and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves
and our posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.
Organization of the Constitution
Article 1 – Legislative Branch
Article 2 – Executive Branch
Article 3 – Judicial Branch
Article 4 – Role of the States
Article 5 – Amending the Constitution
Article 6 – Supremacy Clause
Article 7 – Ratification
Bill of Rights – First 10 Amendments