Creating the Constitution · 1781 – 1791

The Constitutional Convention: Debates & Compromises

Investigate the major debates and compromises, including the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise, that shaped the Constitution.

About This Topic

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a summer of intense debate and compromise in Philadelphia. Students examine the major disagreements, such as how to balance the power of large and small states, which led to the Great Compromise. They also confront the difficult and controversial Three-Fifths Compromise regarding the counting of enslaved people for representation and taxes. The topic highlights the process of negotiation and the creation of a new, stronger federal system.

This topic is a primary focus of 5th-grade civics standards. It requires students to understand the concept of compromise and the different interests of the states. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation as they take on the roles of the delegates.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Great Compromise

Students represent large and small states. They are given the Virginia and New Jersey plans and must 'negotiate' to create a two-house legislature that satisfies both sides, mirroring the actual compromise.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Inquiry Circle: The Three-Fifths Compromise

In small groups, students analyze the arguments made by Northern and Southern delegates about slavery and representation. They discuss why this compromise was made and its long-term impact on the country.

⏱ 35 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: The 'Secret' Convention

Pairs discuss why the delegates decided to keep their meetings a secret from the public. They share whether they think this was a good idea for making a new government or if it was undemocratic.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The delegates all agreed on what the new government should look like.

What to Teach Instead

They disagreed on almost everything and nearly gave up several times. A simulation of the debates helps students see the intense conflict and the necessity of compromise.

Common Misconception

The Constitution was written to end slavery.

What to Teach Instead

The Constitution actually protected slavery in several ways to keep the Southern states in the Union. A collaborative investigation into the Three-Fifths Compromise helps students understand the tragic reality of these early political deals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Great Compromise?

It was the agreement that settled the dispute between large and small states. It created a two-house (bicameral) legislature: the House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, and the Senate, where every state gets two representatives regardless of size.

Why was the Constitutional Convention held in secret?

The delegates wanted to be able to speak their minds freely and change their opinions without pressure from the public or the press. They believed that keeping the meetings secret would make it easier to reach compromises on difficult issues.

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?

It was a controversial agreement to count three-fifths of the enslaved population for both representation in Congress and for taxing purposes. This gave Southern states more political power while continuing to deny basic rights to enslaved people.

How can active learning help students understand the Constitutional Convention?

Active learning, like simulating the debates between states, helps students understand that the Constitution was a 'bundle of compromises.' By taking on the roles of delegates, they see that the final document wasn't perfect, but was a series of hard-won agreements between people with very different goals and values.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU