The Great Compromise and the 3/5 Compromise were both essential compromises that helped the delegates agree on a final Constitution, but I believe the Great Compromise establishing our bicameral legislative branch is still the most important structurally for our government today. The Senate representing states equally and House representing population proportionally was a key foundation for the checks and balances in our system.

1. The Articles of Confederation

4. The Articles: powers to Congress make war and peace (sending/receiving ambassadors and making treaties), raise an army and navy (build a navy and raise an army by asking the states for troops), print money (set up a money system, fix uniform standards of weights and measures), and set up a postal system.

6. No national court system

7. Could not collect taxes from individuals

13. The Articles of Confederation Vs. The Constitution

14. Constitution: Provides a written framework for government. A plan or instruction manual of powers and restrictions for government Limits or restricts certain powers

15. Discuss: Why is a constitution essential to a government?

17. President enforces the laws.Constitution

19. Depending on the case, some cases fall under state jurisdiction and others under federal.

20. No national courts

23. Only the national government has the power to make money

24. There was no national currency

29. (3/5 Compromise) Three/Fifths Compromise: Population South Southern states wanted slaves to count in population counts They were more dependent on slavery. North Northern states did not want slaves to count They were less dependent on slavery

30. 3/5ths Compromise For the purposes of representation, five slaves would be counted as 3 free people

31. Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise

32. THINK: Which of the compromises would you say is most important to our government today?