Question

4. What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

5. What was the original purpose of the meeting in Philadelphia that
eventually became known as the Constitutional Convention?
6. What does the phrase "We the People..." indicate about the ultimate source
of government's power?
7. Describe the main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New
Jersey plans at the Constitutional convention.
8. Who is often considered the "Father of the Constitution?" Why?
9. Identify the following constitutional compromises:
a. Great (Connecticut) Compromise:

Answer 1

The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention, the source of government's power, the difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan, the 'Father of the Constitution,' and the Great (Connecticut) Compromise are discussed.

Step-by-step explanation:

4. Some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were:

1. There was no central authority to enforce laws or regulate trade.
2. The federal government had no power to tax, leading to financial difficulties.
3. Each state had its own currency, causing confusion and hindering commerce.
4. There was no executive branch to carry out laws or enforce decisions made by Congress.

5. The original purpose of the meeting in Philadelphia, which became known as the Constitutional Convention, was to revise the Articles of Confederation. However, it soon became apparent that a complete overhaul of the system was needed, leading to the creation of a new constitution.

6. The phrase 'We the People...' indicates that the ultimate source of government's power is the people. It highlights the idea of popular sovereignty, meaning that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed.

7. The main difference between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan at the Constitutional Convention was the representation in the legislative branch. The Virginia Plan called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, while the New Jersey Plan proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.

8. James Madison is often considered the 'Father of the Constitution' because of his significant contributions to the drafting and promotion of the Constitution. He played a key role in shaping the structure and provisions of the document.

9. The Great (Connecticut) Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the issue of representation in the legislature. It proposed a bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives having representation based on population, and the Senate having equal representation for each state.

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