Final answer:
The statement about Pennsylvania's 1776 state constitution creating a bicameral legislature is incorrect. Initially, Pennsylvania had a unicameral legislature, but in 1790, the state adopted a bicameral legislature, which included a governor with veto power and an independent judiciary, reflecting an elitist victory and expanding the electorate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pennsylvania's 1776 State Constitution and Bicameral Legislature
The debate over the structure of Pennsylvania's government following the American Revolution led to significant political division. Initially, in 1776, contrary to the statement presented, Pennsylvania adopted a unicameral legislature, which was in line with the revolutionary principles of the time. It was not until 1790 that Pennsylvania shifted to a bicameral legislature, aligning with the structure of most other states, which featured two separate chambers in the legislature.
This change also included the introduction of a governor with veto power and an independent judiciary, reflecting an elitist victory in the political struggles of the time. The new constitution maintained taxpayer suffrage but imposed stricter property qualifications for serving in the upper house and as governor. While this was seen by some as a restriction of political rights, it followed the trend of expanding the electorate beyond what many other states were doing.
Eventually, the bicameral structure was recognized as a useful compromise between differing interests and was later reflected in the federal Constitution, remedying some weaknesses of the previous unicameral Articles of Confederation. Pennsylvania's constitutional evolution during these formative years was indicative of broader tensions and ideas concerning representation and governance in the young United States.