The Great Compromise of 1787

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 145 views

Introduction

The United States has a rich history of democratic debates, with delegates from various states gathering to discuss and decide the fate of the nation. From the early days of the American Revolution to the present, these debates have shaped the country's politics, laws, and institutions. In this article, we will explore the four most contentious issues that delegates have spent the most time arguing about: representation in Congress, military command, who will be president, and taxes.

1. Representation in Congress

Representation in Congress has been a contentious issue since the early days of the American Republic. The question of how to represent the interests of the people in the legislative branch has been debated by delegates for centuries. The issue of representation is closely tied to the concept of federalism, which divides power between the federal government and the states.

The Great Compromise of 1787

One of the most significant debates in American history was the Great Compromise of 1787, also known as the Connecticut Compromise. This compromise established the bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives representing the people and the Senate representing the states. The compromise was reached after intense debate and negotiation between delegates from large and small states.

The Debate Over Representation

The debate over representation in Congress has continued to this day. Some delegates argue that the current system of representation is unfair, with larger states having more representation than smaller states. Others argue that the system is fair, as it allows for a diverse range of voices to be heard in the legislative branch.

2. Military Command

Military command has been a contentious issue throughout American history. The question of who should have control over the military has been debated by delegates for centuries. The issue of military command is closely tied to the concept of national security and the role of the military in protecting the country.

The Debate Over Military Command

The debate over military command has been intense, with some delegates arguing that the president should have complete control over the military. Others argue that the military should be under the control of Congress, with the president serving as commander-in-chief.

The War Powers Act of 1973

The War Powers Act of 1973 was a significant piece of legislation that attempted to limit the president's power to wage war without congressional approval. The act was passed in response to the Vietnam War, which had been a contentious issue in American politics for decades.

3. Who Will Be President

Who will be president has been a contentious issue throughout American history. The question of who should hold the highest office in the land has been debated by delegates for centuries. The issue of who will be president is closely tied to the concept of leadership and the role of the president in shaping the country's policies.

The Debate Over Presidential Power

The debate over presidential power has been intense, with some delegates arguing that the president should have complete control over the government. Others argue that the president should be limited in their power, with Congress serving as a check on the executive branch.

The 22nd Amendment

The 22nd Amendment, which limits the president to two terms in office, was passed in response to the controversy surrounding President Franklin D. Roosevelt's attempt to run for a third term. The amendment was a significant piece of legislation that attempted to limit the power of the president.

4. Taxes

Taxes have been a contentious issue throughout American history. The question of who should pay taxes and how much they should pay has been debated by delegates for centuries. The issue of taxes is closely tied to the concept of economic policy and the role of government in regulating the economy.

The Debate Over Taxation

The debate over taxation has been intense, with some delegates arguing that taxes should be high to fund government programs and services. Others argue that taxes should be low to stimulate economic growth and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

The 16th Amendment

The 16th Amendment, which allows Congress to tax income without apportioning it among the states, was passed in response to the controversy surrounding the income tax. The amendment was a significant piece of legislation that attempted to give Congress the power to tax income.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four most contentious issues that delegates have spent the most time arguing about are representation in Congress, military command, who will be president, and taxes. These issues have shaped the country's politics, laws, and institutions, and continue to be debated by delegates to this day. The debate over these issues is a testament to the democratic process and the importance of representation in a democratic society.

References

The Great Compromise of 1787. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=8
The War Powers Act of 1973. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/93rd-congress/senate-bill/2191
The 22nd Amendment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/publications/constitutional-amendments/22.html
The 16th Amendment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/publications/constitutional-amendments/16.html
Frequently Asked Questions: The Great Debates =====================================================

Q: What is the Great Compromise of 1787?

A: The Great Compromise of 1787, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, was a significant agreement reached during the Constitutional Convention in 1787. It established the bicameral legislature, with the House of Representatives representing the people and the Senate representing the states.

Q: Who was involved in the Great Compromise of 1787?

A: The Great Compromise of 1787 was reached after intense debate and negotiation between delegates from large and small states. Some of the key figures involved in the compromise include Roger Sherman, Oliver Ellsworth, and William Paterson.

Q: What is the significance of the Great Compromise of 1787?

A: The Great Compromise of 1787 is significant because it established the framework for the legislative branch of the US government. It also helped to resolve the issue of representation in Congress, which had been a contentious issue since the early days of the American Republic.

Q: What is the War Powers Act of 1973?

A: The War Powers Act of 1973 is a federal law that was passed in response to the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War. The act requires the president to obtain congressional approval before deploying troops into combat.

Q: Who was involved in the passage of the War Powers Act of 1973?

A: The War Powers Act of 1973 was passed by the 93rd Congress and signed into law by President Richard Nixon. The act was sponsored by Senator Mike Mansfield and Representative John Conyers.

Q: What is the significance of the War Powers Act of 1973?

A: The War Powers Act of 1973 is significant because it attempted to limit the president's power to wage war without congressional approval. It also helped to establish the principle of congressional oversight of the executive branch.

Q: What is the 22nd Amendment?

A: The 22nd Amendment is a constitutional amendment that was ratified in 1951. It limits the president to two terms in office, preventing them from serving more than eight years.

Q: Who was involved in the passage of the 22nd Amendment?

A: The 22nd Amendment was proposed by Congress in 1947 and ratified by the states in 1951. It was passed in response to the controversy surrounding President Franklin D. Roosevelt's attempt to run for a third term.

Q: What is the significance of the 22nd Amendment?

A: The 22nd Amendment is significant because it established the principle of term limits for the president. It also helped to prevent the concentration of power in the executive branch.

Q: What is the 16th Amendment?

A: The 16th Amendment is a constitutional amendment that was ratified in 1913. It allows Congress to tax income without apportioning it among the states.

Q: Who was involved in the passage of the 16th Amendment?

A: The 16th Amendment was proposed by Congress in 1909 and ratified by the states in 1913. It was passed in response to the controversy surrounding the income tax.

Q: What is the significance of the 16th Amendment?

A: The 16th Amendment is significant because it established the principle of federal taxation of income. It also helped to provide a source of revenue for the federal government.

Q: What are some of the key issues that delegates have spent the most time arguing about?

A: Some of the key issues that delegates have spent the most time arguing about include representation in Congress, military command, who will be president, and taxes.

Q: How have these debates shaped the country's politics, laws, and institutions?

A: These debates have shaped the country's politics, laws, and institutions by establishing the framework for the legislative branch, limiting the power of the executive branch, and providing a source of revenue for the federal government.

Q: What can we learn from these debates?

A: We can learn from these debates that the democratic process is a complex and ongoing process that requires compromise and negotiation. We can also learn that the principles of representation, federalism, and separation of powers are essential to a healthy democracy.