Final answer:
As a hypothetical delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, I would focus on addressing representation issues in the legislative branch, defining legislative powers to balance authority with rights, and establishing a fair method for electing legislators.
Step-by-step explanation:
If I were a delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, there are a few critical topics I'd want addressed concerning the legislative branch. Firstly, equal representation versus proportional representation would be of utmost importance. The question of how to reconcile the interests of larger states against those of smaller ones was a pivotal issue at the time. I'd advocate for a bicameral legislature that both represents the people proportionally, as in the Virginia Plan, and ensures equal representation of states, as in the New Jersey Plan. This would later become known as the Great Compromise, or the Connecticut Compromise, creating the structure of Congress we know today.
Additionally, the scope of legislative powers needs clear definition to prevent an overreach of authority. Criteria to consider would include the protection of individual and state rights while still enabling effective governance. This would involve distributing powers through a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch could dominate, a concept which had strong support during the convention.
Lastly, the method of electing legislators would be crucial to ensuring fair representation. The criteria here would be to create a process that reflects the will of the people, is less susceptible to corruption, and can adapt to a growing and changing nation. Therefore, I would support a direct election method by the people, which aligns with the principles of Republicanism espoused by the framers.