Final answer:
The correct chronological order of events at the Constitutional Convention is the Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Great Compromise, and Three-Fifths Compromise. The convention was needed because the Articles of Confederation did not grant enough power to the national government. The creation of three branches of government aimed to limit the power of any single branch.
Step-by-step explanation:
The events of the Constitutional Convention occurred in a specific order which is necessary to understand the creation of the U.S. Constitution. The correct chronological order of events is represented by Option C) Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Great Compromise, Three-Fifths Compromise.
The Virginia Plan was first proposed, calling for a bicameral legislature and representation based on state population, which gave significant power to larger states. The New Jersey Plan followed, advocating for a single-chamber Congress with equal representation to address the concerns of smaller states.
After extensive debate, the Great Compromise was reached, combining elements of both plans to create a two-chamber Congress with equal state representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House of Representatives. Lastly, the Three-Fifths Compromise settled disputes over how enslaved individuals would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.
The need for the Constitutional Convention arose because many felt that the Articles of Confederation did not grant enough power to the national government; thus, Option D) is correct. The Articles created a weak central government that was seen as incapable of effectively governing the nation, leading to the decision to draft a new Constitution.
One key reason for creating three branches of government was to limit the power of any one part of government, making Option C) the correct answer. This structure was intended to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure a system of checks and balances.