Explain the major debates and compromises underlying the formation and ratification of the constitution

in february 1787, congress decided that a convention should be convened to revise the articles of confederation, the nation’s first constitution. in may, 55 delegates came to philadelphia, and the constitutional convention began. debates erupted over representation in congress, over slavery, and over the new executive branch. the debates continued through four hot and muggy months. but eventually the delegates reached compromises, and on september 17, they produced the u.s. constitution, replacing the articles with the governing document that has functioned effectively for more than 200 years.

one of the major compromises in the constitutional convention was between the small states and big states. the small states wanted each state to have the same number of representatives in congress. the big states wanted representation based on population.

rosevelt. 1973. "slaves everywhere"