As one of the most significant events in American history, the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787 produced a document that has served as the foundation of the United States government for over two centuries. During the Convention, delegates from each of the 13 states worked tirelessly to create a document that would establish a stable and effective government for the newly formed nation. In this article, we will explore some of the key agreements made at the Constitutional Convention that have shaped the course of American history.
1. The creation of a federal system of government:
One of the most important agreements made at the Constitutional Convention was the establishment of a federal system of government. This system allows for the concurrent existence of state and national governments, with the national government having certain powers, and the states having others. This system was designed to balance the power between the national government and the states, and to provide for a stronger central government than had existed under the Articles of Confederation.
2. The creation of a bicameral legislature:
Another significant agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention was the creation of a bicameral legislature, consisting of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The House was set up to represent the people, with members elected by the people of each state, based on population. The Senate, on the other hand, was established to give equal representation to each state, with each state having two senators. This system ensures that both large and small states have a say in the legislative process, allowing for a more balanced representation of the people.
3. The creation of the Electoral College:
The Electoral College is another key agreement made at the Constitutional Convention. It was established as a method for electing the President of the United States, and is based on the number of representatives each state has in Congress. This system was designed to balance the power between the states and the national government, and to prevent a direct popular vote from giving too much power to the more populous states.
4. The protection of individual rights:
The Constitution was designed to protect the individual rights of citizens, and this was a key agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention. The Bill of Rights, which was added to the Constitution in 1791, laid out the basic rights and protections that citizens are entitled to under the law. These rights include the freedom of speech, religion, and the press, the right to bear arms, the right to a fair trial, and the right to an attorney.
In conclusion, the Constitutional Convention was a pivotal moment in American history, and the agreements made during that time have had a significant impact on the course of our nation. From the establishment of a federal system of government to the protection of individual rights, these agreements have helped to shape the United States into the prosperous and democratic nation it is today.