Social Studies Unit 5 – Chapter 2 Study Guide

The Constitutional Convention & the U.S. Constitution

1. Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Know why the Articles of Confederation did not work well.

Key problems:

• The national government could not collect taxes

• The government could not regulate trade between states

• There was no president to enforce laws

• There was no national court system

• Congress had very little power

Important idea: Many leaders (like George Washington) believed the Articles were too weak and needed to be replaced.

2. The Constitutional Convention

• Held in 1787

• Took place in Philadelphia

• Delegates met to fix the Articles of Confederation

• Instead, they wrote a new Constitution

Important leader: James Madison

• Known as the “Father of the Constitution”

• Helped design the structure of the government

3. The Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan

Virginia PlanNew Jersey PlanSupported by large statesSupported by small statesRepresentation based on populationEqual representation for each stateBicameral legislature (two houses)Unicameral legislature (one house)

4. The Great Compromise

The Great Compromise solved the argument between large and small states.

It created Congress with two parts: BICAMERAL

Senate

• Each state has equal representation

• 2 senators per state

House of Representatives

• Representation based on population

5. The Three-Fifths Compromise

• This compromise dealt with slavery and representation.

• Enslaved people counted as 3/5 of a person when determining representation in Congress and taxes.

6. Powers the Constitution Gave the National Government

The Constitution gave the national government more power than the Articles of Confederation.

Examples:

• Regulate trade

• Collect taxes

• Raise an army

• Enforce laws

7. Important Vocabulary

precedence - priority or first importance

bicameral system - legislature with two houses

compromise - an agreement where both sides give up something

federal - power shared between national and state governments

import - to bring goods into a country

8. Constructed Response Practice

Essay Question

Why is James Madison called the Father of the Constitution?

James Madison is called the Father of the Constitution because he played a major role in creating it. First, he introduced the Virginia Plan, which helped shape the structure of the new government. He also kept detailed notes during the Constitutional Convention, which helped people understand how the Constitution was created. Because of his ideas and leadership, Madison was one of the most important contributors to the Constitution.

✅ Good Study Tip for Students

• Remember the three big compromises:

1. Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan

2. Great Compromise

3. Three-Fifths Compromise