In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, including the Virginia Plan's proposal for three branches of government — legislative, executive, and judicial. Students learn how the Great Compromise resolved tensions between large and small states and explore the disputes over slavery that shaped the drafting of the new Constitution. The lesson builds on prior knowledge of the Articles of Confederation's weaknesses to explain why delegates ultimately created an entirely new framework of government.
Section 1
Delegates Transform Meeting into Constitutional Creation
Though originally tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation, 55 delegates from 12 states created an entirely new government framework during secret meetings in Philadelphia during summer 1787.
Section 2
Madison's Virginia Plan Establishes Three-Branch Government
James Madison proposed a new government structure with a legislative branch (two-house Congress), executive branch (President), and judicial branch (court system) to create stronger central authority than the Articles provided.
Section 3
Roger Sherman Bridges Divide with Great Compromise
Sherman resolved the conflict between large and small states by creating a two-house Congress with population-based representation in the House of Representatives and equal state representation in the Senate.
Section 4
Delegates Negotiate Compromises on Slavery
The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes, while another agreement allowed the slave trade to continue until 1808, revealing deep North-South divisions.
Section 5
People Establish Authority Through Constitution's Preamble
Unlike the state-centered Articles of Confederation, the Constitution begins with "We the People" to establish its authority from citizens rather than states, creating a more unified national government.
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Section 1
Delegates Transform Meeting into Constitutional Creation
Though originally tasked with revising the Articles of Confederation, 55 delegates from 12 states created an entirely new government framework during secret meetings in Philadelphia during summer 1787.
Section 2
Madison's Virginia Plan Establishes Three-Branch Government
James Madison proposed a new government structure with a legislative branch (two-house Congress), executive branch (President), and judicial branch (court system) to create stronger central authority than the Articles provided.
Section 3
Roger Sherman Bridges Divide with Great Compromise
Sherman resolved the conflict between large and small states by creating a two-house Congress with population-based representation in the House of Representatives and equal state representation in the Senate.
Section 4
Delegates Negotiate Compromises on Slavery
The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes, while another agreement allowed the slave trade to continue until 1808, revealing deep North-South divisions.
Section 5
People Establish Authority Through Constitution's Preamble
Unlike the state-centered Articles of Confederation, the Constitution begins with "We the People" to establish its authority from citizens rather than states, creating a more unified national government.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter