Late in May 1787, George Washington welcomed delegates from twelve of the thirteen states to the Constitutional Convention. The fifty-five men in attendance expected to consider significant changes in their national government. In turn the Constitution was ratified into a bundle of political compromises that solved the differences among those delegates, however, the first and foremost issue at hand was what kind of government was best for the country?
A plan was submitted by the Virginia delegation that had a guiding spirit belonging to James Madison. The “Virginia Plan” called for a government with three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. By dividing this power, it was intended to ensure that no group or individual could have too much authority. Also by allowing each branch of government some means to check the other branches, it was intended to protect the interests of
The fourth issue that arose was who would be in control of interstate trade. The solution was plain and simple; the federal government would control interstate commerce and imports/exports from foreign counties. The states, in turn, would be in control of intrastate commerce and now the final issue was how the president would be chosen. In this case two issues were presented; Jefferson believed that the people should vote to determine the president. On the other hand, Hamilton felt that the people were not capable enough to decide. The solution combined both the ideas of Hamilton and Jefferson. It allowed the president to be elected indirectly through the Electoral College. Through the Electoral College, the electors are chosen by the states who vote for presidential candidates. Each state was entitled to as many electors as it had senators and representatives in Congress. The electors then voted f
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